Archive for February 2010

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:17 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 26, 2010

1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Mr. Williams lived in a little two-room shanty behind our house on the other side of a graveled alley. He was a quiet man who worked at the fairgrounds. Although it didn’t impress me when I was growing up, now I’d love to have the 1952 Chevrolet pick-up he drove around town.

Mr. Williams lived alone. If he had family, they never came to visit. Although we were a different color and our house always had family or friends coming or going, my parents demonstrated great respect for Mr. Williams and expected me to do the same. Every holiday we would fix a big plate of food and walk it over to his home. Even after my dad died and my mom moved to the other side of town, we still delivered holiday meals to Mr. Williams. And he was always grateful. When he died, my mom and two others attended his simple and short memorial service.

Certainly we are to demonstrate love to believers. We are to live in reverence and awe of God. We are to show honor to those placed in authority over you. And…don’t miss the first five words of this verse…we are to show proper respect to everyone. I am thankful my parents taught me how to do that by their “proper respect” to Mr. Williams.

Father, help us to show respect to everyone, not just those whose acquaintance we might believe to be beneficial. As parents, help us to teach this truth to our children by showing them how it is done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:16 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 25, 2010

1 Peter 2:16
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

“How can a man be happy who is the servant of anything?” That question was asked by the Greek philosopher Plato. Most people would agree. We live in an Invictus age where “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” At least I want to be. Freedom and happiness is seen as the result of being in total control. But for the believer, freedom takes a different turn.

Real freedom comes from Jesus (John 8:36). He is the only one who can set us free from slavery to sin. Only through Christ can we truly live as “free men.” This freedom, however, is not a “license for immorality” (Jude 1:4) or a “cover-up for evil.” This freedom drives us to live a life pleasing to God and to serve him out of love and gratitude.

A person cannot be happy if he is the servant of anything. A person can only be happy if he is a servant of the living God.

Father, thank you for the freedom that comes through Jesus. May we never take your grace for granted, use it as a license to sin, or use it to cover up our sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:13-14 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 24, 2010

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Peter’s unwavering belief in the sovereignty of God is seen in this very practical passage as much as in any passage that lays out the doctrine. Peter notes that every authority is established by God for the purpose of law and order. Our submission to these divine appointments demonstrates our obedience to the Lord.

Now the interesting thing about this passage is the historical context. Peter writes this letter in late 64/early 65 A.D. as intense persecution was raging under the Roman Emperor Nero. When Nero was blamed for the Great Fire of 64 A.D. he used the Christians as a scapegoat. Some believers were crucified. Others were tied up in animal skins and torn apart by dogs. Still others were dipped in pitch and set aflame. Peter, more than likely writing from Rome, was put to death in 67 A.D. And yet in the midst of persecution, he reminds Christians to submit themselves to “every authority instituted among men.”

Peter believed in the sovereignty of God—in good times and bad. He knew that God is finally in charge. Solomon said, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). Rulers, kings, emperors, prime ministers, presidents come and go. Nations rise and fall. Economies soar and crash. But this one thing is sure:

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:7-10).

Father, thank you for your sovereignty. Thank you for your eternal reign. Thanks you for the promise that you “have never forsaken those who seek you.” In Jesus name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:12 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 23, 2010

1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

The life of a believer matters. It matters how we conduct ourselves within the walls of our home and the in wide-open view of our communities. It matters how we do marriage, how we parent our children, and how we interact with neighbors. It matters how we drive on the roads, respond to a worn out cashier, and coach little league teams. It matters how we treat our employees and work associates. It matters that we put in an honest day’s work for our wages. These things matter primarily to the people in our lives. And…as today’s passage reminds us, others are watching closely.

Even the “pagans” who don’t mind taking shots at you, take note of your good deeds. Who doesn’t appreciate a faithful spouse, a loving parent, a good neighbor? Who has a problem with a friendly driver? Who can criticize a person who is courteous to a cashier on her second job or second shift? Who doesn’t want a little league coach who has the best interest of his son/daughter at heart? Who knows…God may use their observation to bring them to himself.

The phrase “on the day [God] visits us” has a few different interpretations but most believe this refers to the day when God brings salvation to a person’s life. This is pretty cool, isn’t it? God uses your good deeds to get the non-believer’s attention and then he closes the deal with eternal salvation! Think about that the next time you are in a hurry at the check-out stand…or driving down the highway…or coaching the team…or….

Father, remind us that all of our life—actions and words—matter. Use this truth to motivate us to good deeds. And use our actions to bring people to yourself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:11 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 22, 2010

1 Peter 2:11
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Every believer has…at least…one. Just when you think you’ve beaten it down, it rears its ugly head. Just when you say, “Mastered!” you find yourself stooping to serve it again. Just when you think you’ve starved it to death; there you are feeding the monster. The writer to the Hebrews calls it “the sin that so easily entangles us” (12:1). As one writer says, “[it is] the sin that dogs our feet” (Phillips).

In our passage today, Peter likens these sinful snares to soldiers coming to make war. Equipped with the tanks of anger, missiles of pride, swords of lust, and machine guns of greed, these “soldiers” come to attack your soul. Their purpose is not so much to kill you but, rather, to render you useless and ineffective. A broken and wounded follower of Jesus is more valuable to the enemy than a dead one.

Peter says that when these soldiers show up, do battle with them! Hold them back. Don’t allow them to have entry into your heart. Practically, this means…

    …implementing safeguards that protect you from seamy internet sites
    …retreat and pray when you find your blood starting to boil
    …serve others (an antidote to pride)
    …give generously (an antidote for greed)
    …acknowledge your “besetting” sin and deal with it

Every believer has a “sin that dogs our feet.” Take the necessary steps to keep it at a distance.

Father, remind us that staying close to Jesus involves some very practical steps. Give us insight into our hearts, honesty to admit our sin, and courage to do something about it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 1:14-16 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 19, 2010

1 Peter 1:14-16
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.”

Early in life, we learn to live by standards. From our first report card, to our SAT score, to our job performance review, we strive to meet certain levels of performance. Opportunities and career advancement often come about (or not) based on our achievements. But for the believer, how we stack up against others or a system of abstract ideals is not enough. God himself is our standard.

This “God Himself” standard is echoed throughout Scripture:

    I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy–Leviticus 11:44
    Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart—Psalm 24:3-4
    Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong–Habakkuk 1:13
    To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy–1 Corinthians 1:2
    …Live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory–1 Thessalonians 2:12

The “God Himself” standard means that, by the power of the Spirit, we are separated from sin and set apart to God. Progress, not perfection, is our calling. The “God Himself” standard does not allow us to ever be comfortable with sin in our life.

Lord, convict of any sin that we have become comfortable with. By your Spirit give us a heart of repentance and a desire to live a life worthy of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | Ephesians 2:4-5 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 18, 2010

Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions– it is by grace you have been saved.

You may have some pretty cool stuff on your resume—an outstanding athlete, a dazzling performer, an accomplished musician, graduate of a highly respected educational institution, leader of this or that, native of Oklahoma (jealous, aren’t you)—but when it comes to your spiritual resume before Christ, forget the bullet points, italics, and pithy descriptions. One four-letter word is centered on the page—“DEAD!”

In my calling I have officiated at quite a few funerals and I have to say that I’ve never seen the loved one who has passed do much of anything. “Dead” is absence of life and a corpse plays his part pretty darn well. We were in the same spiritual boat before Christ (I wanted to say “same spiritual coffin” to keep the analogy going but it just didn’t sound right.) We were dead in our trespasses. Then we were made alive with Christ!

Because of his great love, God sent his Son to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. By his death on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for your sins and mine. And one day the merciful God breathed spiritual life into our “deadness” and “made us alive” with the risen Savior. Now we can update our resume with these three words: SAVED BY GRACE!

Merciful and Loving Father, thank you for breathing eternal life into my spiritual deadness and making me alive with Christ. We are forever grateful! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | Ephesians 1:3-4 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 17, 2010

Ephesians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

One of the amazing things about grace is that God chose us before “the creation of the world.” He did not look down through the tunnel of time to see what kind of a person we would be and then pick us to be on his team based on our future performance. He did not choose us because in his omniscience he knew that we would choose him. Fallen man does not seek God. This divine selection was based solely on grace. And our choosing was for a purpose.

God’s design is for us to be “holy and blameless” in his sight. As fallen creatures these characteristics can only be accredited (or “imputed”) to us by the work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus takes our sin and we get his righteousness. Paul says, God “reckons” righteousness to our account (Romans 4:3). That, then, is our Positional Holiness, but God wants it to be practical as well. That’s why he blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in Christ” from the blessing of justification to the indwelling of the Spirit whose “sanctifying work” is purposed for obedience (1 Peter 1:2).

For many, God’s choosing us is a hard truth to understand and accept. Performance and works and achievement are, for some, the building blocks of the spiritual journey. But the Apostle Paul well understood man’s fallen state and inability to seek God (Romans 3:11). In response to this amazing love, amazing gift, and amazing grace Paul responded with a heart of gratitude and praise.

Dear Lord, praise be to you the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Praise be to you for all our spiritual blessings! Praise be to you for choosing us in Christ before the creation of the world! Praise be to you for making us holy and blameless in your sight! Praise be to you for giving us all we need to live a life pleasing to you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:10 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 16, 2010

1 Peter 2:10
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Tunch Ilkin is a 14 year veteran of the NFL, a three time Pro-Bowler, and a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers All-time team. Not a bad resume. Tunch is currently a Steelers broadcaster and Director of Men’s Ministries at our church. As you might imagine, Tunch has some great stories. One he loves to tell took place at an autograph session. A kid came up and learned that he was former Steeler. The kid looked at Tunch and asked, “Who did you used to be?”

Every believer used to be someone. But our resumes are not as impressive as Tunch’s football career. There was a time when we were on our own, headed to an eternity separated from him. As the Apostle Paul clearly states, we “were separate from Christ…foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Then, thankfully, God interrupted our journey.

Today we are recipients of God’s grace and mercy. In his grace he has given us what we don’t deserve. In his mercy he has not given us what we do deserve. We are not who we used to be. We are a new creation. Thank God “the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Father as the song says, we’re not yet who we want to be and we are not yet who we’re going to be, but thank you that by your grace and mercy we are not who we were! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Living Hope | 1 Peter 2:9 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 15, 2010

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

In contrast to those who “disobey the message” of the Gospel, Peter uses several terms, originally given to the nation of Israel, to describe believers. We are a…

  • …Chosen People. God chose us to be his before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
  • …Royal Priesthood. We have immediate access to God. We can know and serve God personally.
  • …Holy Nation. We have been set apart by God for his use.
  • …People Belonging to God. Jesus has purchased our freedom from the slavery of sin and now we “are his very own” (Titus 2:14).

Our response—Declare his praises! He called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. Time to shine!

Father, thank you for choosing us, giving direct access to you, setting us apart, purchasing our salvation, and calling out of sin and into forgiveness and freedom. May we live to sing your praises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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