S.O.A.P. 15 Day Challenge Day #9 "Revere Over Feaer" - 1 Peter 3:14b-15 (NIV)

S. 1 Peter 3:14b-15 (NIV) “…Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.”

O. Peter has been providing encouragement through trials and suffering. He has written much about leaving justice to the Lord and for us (Christ followers) to focus on relationships.

In these times of trials and suffering, we are not to fear (threats and what others fear); rather, we are to REVERE Christ as Lord in the deep areas of our thoughts and feelings (our hearts).

To revere Christ is to set him apart as specail in our lives (hagedzo). Christ is to occupy that special place in our hearts. He is our ultimate “go to person” - our “go to God.” Because He is there for us; we really have no reason to fear difficult times; rather - to be thankful and count it as special for our relationship with Him.

A. I think I, at times, allow fear to keep me unfocused or off balance. Yet I know when I revere Christ -that is, count Him special to & through my life, and separate myself to a life of honoring and seving Him, I can be at peace, despite the suffering, troubles or storms of life.

P. Thank you Father for your word. I desire to daily revere you in my heart and mind. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to dailing revering Christ over fear. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 15 Day Challenge Day #8 "Following Jesus In Suffering" - 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)

S. 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV) “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threates. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”

O. Jesus left us an example of how to handle unjust suffering - Jesus went through it. He endured and left any vindication into God’s hands. He did not threaten or retaliate. He trusted God. We are then to follow His example.

A. When I suffer or go through painful experiences - my reflex is to stand up and to insist on whatever rights I think I have. However, there are times when we are better off to follow Chris’ts example by not retaliating and allowing God to vidicate us.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to follow Jesus’ example when I’m being wronged. Keep me from retaliation or saying something that I might later regret - and to trust our Father for His justice. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 15 Day Challenge Day #7 "Our Special High Calling & Life" - 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

S. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) “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.’”

O. Peter writes to instruct and encourage believers to not give in or conform to past evil desires; rather, He says we are to be holy just as God who called us is holy.

The word “holy” in the Greek is “hagios” and means to be separated, be distinct, different from the world, and special unto the Lord.

God has called us to a life of serving Him -a life that is special. We are not to conform to past desires; rather, we are to show ourselves to the world as uniquely serving the Lord.

A. I will be sure to give careful thought to my thoughts and actions, making certain that I am clear in representing the Lord and His high calling in my life. I want others to see in my life a consistent and constant lifestyle that serves Christ through a life of purity, integrity, love for God and His word and for others.

P. Thank you Father for loving us and calling us to your high standard. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to have a consistent witness for you - In Jesus’ name!