From:
Date: January 22, 2020
Subject: It's January 22; Good Morning Union


“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3

I’ve said it before, I’ll no doubt say it again—There is something powerful about reading a whole book of the Bible through at one setting! It gives a bigger picture than some of the “proof-texting” approaches I have sometime been guilty of using! Peter was probably in prison in Rome in the mid 60s (not 1960s- that would be the Vietnam War or even 1860- that would be the Civil War---60s ad! That would be the war of Rome against the world, which they were, or already had, won!) Persecution was prevalent thanks to Emperor Nero and the faithful followers were probably floundering and maybe a bit frustrated both in their faith and their following of the Father. Peter responded with this letter- one of strength, encouragement, exhortation, and challenge in how to face the tough things in life while they waited for the best thing in life- the return of their Savior. One of our former pastors called this a “Baptismal Manual for the Early Christian Church!”

Peter starts out with a refocus on encouragement; something I know is helpful for me on the days when I start to wonder and stress over the junk of this world in general or that is impacting my life in specific. I have to step back, take a deep breath, regroup forces, and THEN move forward! Peter reminded me with that process this morning.

“The gift of God’s mercy—which gave us the resurrection of Jesus—gives me:

  1. A new birth
  2. A living hope
  3. An inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade
  4. A shield of God’s power”

And “in THIS; you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer.”

When life gets tough I need to step back and remember that the big pictures says I have hope… it’s going to work out… I am promised victory… and I’m promised protection. In THIS I rejoice, even when things aren’t going exactly as planned.

Have a great day remembering,

Pastor Rich

 

Quote for the day:      “Research has shown that laughing for 2 minutes is just as healthy as a 20 minute jog. So now I just sit in the park and laugh at all the joggers!”

 

PS        Now would be a great time to go to your uWorship app and record your spiritual life involvement

PPS      School is still on for today! Just a little rain and slush, but still be very careful. It’s not as cold as yesterday but the ice is still there!!