Devotionals

“I’m the answer to your prayer. That’s why I was sent down here.”
—Clarence, the angel, after George tells him “I got bust in the jaw in answer to a prayer.”

People definitely need to learn the posture and power of prayer. Prayer is communion with God and the time to align our lives with his will. We can tell God everything, because he already knows the Truth. There is no one in this world who is as understanding, loving, and wise as our Father in heaven.

When we pray, we are keeping his name exalted and holy—honoring his right to guide our lives toward his righteous presence and purpose. When we ask for God’s will in our lives and in our circumstances, we are opening the door for the resources of grace only he can give. Our faith in God brings him glory!

In our lesson from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we witness George praying as he feels like he cannot fall any lower. He is finally at the end of his human strength and ability. Have you ever felt that way? George is unaware, but other people are praying for him at the same time. There is power in the prayers of agreement.

The scene reveals George in his desperation at Martini’s Restaurant and having too much to drink—trying to escape the torment in his soul. George prays, “I’m at the end of my rope…please show me the way, God!” When George finally utters God’s hame, the Lord hears his prayer and the prayers of others and responds. However, not the way George expects. Which is not unusual since our thoughts are not God’s thoughts or ways (Isa. 55:8-9).

Now Satan does not like it when God’s children pray, so evil finds a willing host who is already sinfully angry at George. Satan uses this angry man, Mr. Welch, to punch George in the mouth as retribution for disrespecting his wife—Zuzu’s [George’s daughter] schoolteacher. “That’s what I get for praying,” is George’s response.

George leaves the restaurant, gets in his car, hits a tree while driving, angrily leaves the car and walks to a bridge with the intent to jump when he meets his guardian angel, Clarence. The angel tells George that he is the answer to his prayers. “That’s why I was sent down here!” says, Clarence.

George becomes so distraught and irrational he shouts, “I wish I had never been born.” George is then taken on a “no George born” journey and given glimpses of life without him. It takes awhile, but George—frightened and distraught by the Truth—prays again, “Please, God, let me live again!”

Giving us new life is God’s specialty and that is exactly what George receives when he asks for salvation. Hope returns to his soul. No longer does George desire to look down from the bridge of despair. Instead, he begins to look up to commune with his Rescuer. George receives a new life with a new perspective and a new will to live for God’s loving purposes. He is a new man who identifies the Truth of God.

OT Reading: Psalm 145:18 NLT “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”

OT Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 NLT “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

NT Reading: Matthew 7:7-8 NLT  “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

NT Reading: James 5:13 NLT The Power of Prayer “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.”

Prayer:
Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
    as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need [life’s essentials],
and forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Mat 6:9-13).

“Oh, look at this wonderful old drafty house. Mary! Mary!”
—George Bailey

Our perspective of life matters and for Christians we must cling to a biblical view. In Christ, our worldview is being transformed from seeing things purely through a temporary worldly lens to one that is divine and eternal. The Lord of heaven and earth has supreme authority and we have chosen to follow and serve him. As we obediently follow, we are being transformed by the Truth as God’s sons and daughters.

When we believe in Christ for our eternal salvation, the Spirit of Truth begins to reveal the heavenly reality to our blinded souls and the scales start falling off from our spiritual eyes. We start interpreting our circumstances, viewing people, and responding to events knowing the Lord of lords and King of kings is ultimately in control. Humanity was created to love God wholeheartedly and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We cannot accomplish any of this without the help of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, living this way takes humility, trust, and a motivation to glorify God with how we live and love.

Today, we continue our journey through “It’s a Wonderful Life” by focusing on this change in a believer’s perspective. After George meets his guardian angel, Clarence, he begins to see the Truth which creates a change—a turn around—in his perspective. George once was spiritually blinded by the cares of the world, but now he sees clearly there is more to life and it’s wonderful. His attitude has changed, his perspective has been enlarged. He no longer just looks at his problems as being overwhelming. George begins to prioritize what is eternally important and certainly essential: Faith, family, and friends. Now, George sees clearly into the realm of Truth; God is much bigger than anything evil has waged against him. George knows what matters, chooses to treasure it, and he is ready to celebrate his victorious new perspective!

We can easily be overcome by the worries and cares of this life, but let’s grab ahold of our Living Hope—Jesus. He can help us with every hurdle and through every struggle, but we must be willing to invite him to bring a change in our perspective, as well. Dr. Chuck Swindoll is a pastor and teacher I have followed for the past 30 years. I leave you with his thoughts about the power of perspective:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it!”

Romans 12:2 NLT “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us gain a positive and godly perspective of life. We need help, because at times it fells like life is squeezing us and we don’t know how to get out of its grip. You teach us to come to you when we are weary and you will give us rest. Please take our mental struggles and help us see from your divine perspective. We know that you will work all things together for good, because we love you and are seeking to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“So, I suppose I should give the money to miserable failures like you and that idiot brother of yours to spend for me.”
—Mr. Potter

We have all experienced the hate-driven and demeaning criticism of others. It stings and can linger in us as a revolving memory. Some people just cannot put themselves in your shoes, recognize what they know about you is incomplete, or choose to believe the best (1 Cor. 13:7). Only God knows the heart (Luke 16:15). If you sit quietly for a moment and ponder your experience with criticism, you will more than likely be able to articulate verbatim the mean-spirited comments made to you by another person who has decided to hate you without actually knowing you or your heart. God never created us to sling hate or receive it; that is the work of evil in human flesh. So, consider the source.

In our lesson today from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we consider the verbal comments of Mr. Potter—a man on a quest for power who wants to own the town people of Bedford Falls. The only time Potter seems to be able to say something nice is when he is slithering upon the ground of manipulation to take advantage of another person. Otherwise, he demeans everyone else in order to exalt himself. He is driven by pride.

The Bailey family gets the bulk of Potter’s criticism, because they are idealists who value principles and live them. The star idealist in the movie is George—an optimist who believes the best of others and works to make things better for the whole. Therefore, Potter views George and all idealists as ‘impractical idiots.’

Honestly, the difference between Potter and George Bailey that places them at odds comes down to what they value. Potter values pride, power, prestige, and possessions—which he temporarily has achieved—and thinks that makes him the most successful man in town. The Bailey’s humbly value people, love, compassion, empathy, and kindness. Their goals for life and how they treat people are extremely different.

As we think about these two goals for life and follow the thread to the end of the story, it is George who is honored “as the richest man in town” not Potter. Our lives can mirror only one of these goals. When people put self-centered ego on the throne, they eventually fall and become bitter because they have built their lives on shifting and unstable sand (Mat 7:24-27). However, when holy love builds a life there is no end to the grace that abounds or the number of people who are gathered into their “family.”

Critical and condemning people are miserable people to be around. Believers will always run into them, because God loves them and wants to reveal to them a better way to live. We cannot allow evil to define us. So, at the end of the movie, when George sees himself accurately and begins to love his life, he stands outside of Potter’s business window and wishes him a Merry Christmas. He forgives Potter, but he is going to remain George. So, pray for your critics, forgive them, and keep treating people the way Jesus treats you!

OT Reading: Proverbs 21:21 NLT “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

NT Reading: Matthew 7:12 NLT “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

Application: James 4:6 VOICE:  “You may think that the situation is hopeless, but God gives us more grace when we turn away from our own interests. That’s why Scripture says, ‘God opposes the proud, but He pours out grace on the humble.’”

Prayer: Lord, please give us the wisdom to know when criticism is due and when it is built on destruction. Without you, human beings can have a skewed vision of life and what is meaningful. Believers must cling to the truth of who we are becoming in Christ and choose to pursue and live righteous in an unrighteous world. Father, you have promised to bring good things to those who live in Christ, so we are building our hope upon your Word. Let ungodly criticism roll off our backs and find no place to rest. We call for grace, today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Bread! That this house may never know hunger. Salt! That life may always have flavor…And wine! That joy and prosperity may reign forever.”
George and Mary’s blessing on the Martinis’ new house

Today, we continue our lessons from,“It’s a Wonderful Life” and how this part of the story teaches us about God’s righteous character found in the extravagant love of Christ. George and Mary’s sacrifice [giving their honeymoon money to assist others] helped to bring hope and freedom to many people in Bedford Falls. The Bailey’s have consistently been conduits of out-flowing grace; they are joyful and celebrate when good things come to others not just themselves.

Before moving into their new house, the Martini family meets outside with George and Mary Bailey who take turns proclaiming a blessing for a new beginning in this home built with love. The Martinis’ are beneficiaries of grace. Mary lifts up a loaf of bread, a jar of salt, and George adds a bottle of wine. These symbols represent the hope of spiritual transformation: 1) Jesus is the Bread of Life that satisfies the spiritually hungry; 2) Jesus is the Salt that gives life flavor so we can influence other lives; and 3) Jesus is the Wine—blood—that provides forgiveness of sin and connects us in the spiritual vineyard and care of the Father. A blessing we should celebrate forever!

At the end of the movie, people begin streaming into the Bailey house with financial gifts. They want to bless George and his family and pay off the debt that was created when evil Potter hid and kept the money that belonged to the Bailey Building and Loan Company. George is so overwhelmed he cries out, “Mr. Martini, how about some wine!” George wants to celebrate the goodness of God. Now, he is a beneficiary of grace.

George is a new man; he has left the old life behind and has a renewed vision for the future. He celebrates the LIFE of grace. Remember, the first miracle Jesus performed was to turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). Our Savior loves when we praise and celebrate his goodness! Every believer is commissioned to celebrate and share the grace of our Lord with others.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT  “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Matthew 5:13 NLT “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
John 6:35 NLT “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.”

Matthew 26: 27-28 NLT “ And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant [new] between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”

Prayer: Lord, you are so good to us all the time. Thank you for rescuing and redeeming us, for the many ways you have vindicated us, and the pure love you consistently impart to us. Your grace is enough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Don’t look now, but there’s something funny going on over there at the bank, George.  I’ve never really seen one, but that’s got all the earmarks of a run.”  

Ernie the cab driver.

Evil has an earmark—a distinguishing characteristic—because it will always seek to ‘eat the lunch’ or cleverly outwit and defeat God’s children.  After all, Jesus describes satan as “the thief” who comes to rob, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).  So, even though we are aware of the spiritual battle between good and evil and the fight for our souls, believers are usually not ready for just how ruthless a person motivated by unrighteous evil can be to others. 

Satan is a deceiver who disguises himself as an angel of light—appears as something good—even though his intention is really unrighteous (2 Cor. 11:14).  For this reason, we need to place our trust and hope in Christ who is much more powerful and intends to use for good what the enemy sent to bring harm (Gen. 5:20).  “If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!  Because God is a God of miracles, and He’s holding the other end” (quote Pat Hicks).

As we continue with our devotion based on the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we will pause to think about the scene in which George Bailey [Building and Loan owner] and his wife, Mary Hatch, are supposed to get on a train for their honeymoon. They are so excited and looking forward to a wonderful and even extravagant time in New York and then on to Bermuda. However, what started out with a plan for fun, pleasure, and luxury turns out to be a time for sacrifice. 

While heading for the train, their friend and cab driver notices a problem that spells trouble for Bailey Building and Loan—the bank has called the business’s loan.  Mr. Potter, the owner of the bank and corrupt business man, begins to take advantage of how this affects the people of Bedford Falls.  Under Potter’s direction, the swindling of people begins.  George cannot run away from the trouble or problems this situation is causing others.  The honeymoon will have to wait, because George decides to follow wisdom rather than his feelings.  He chooses to infuse the people of Bedford Falls with heart and hope.

Like George and Mary, we cannot run away from our problems, either. We cannot ignore a problem or an unpleasant reality. Instead, we must rise in the courage of Christ and reach for the wisdom he alone can give to overcome evil with good (Ro. 12:21). Short-term pain for long-term gain. The Lord wants to help us look beyond our present moments to the longer road ahead; to see beyond fear and avoidance and find spiritual victory.  

If you are dealing with a difficult situation and you are tempted to run, remember Jesus loves you and he is ready to help you be victorious in such a way that it touches the lives of others around you. Place your hope in the Savior. Read the Living Word of God, listen to the Spirit, so you can make a wise choice that reaches beyond yourself.

OT Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

NT Reading:  Romans 12:21 NLT “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for allowing life to challenge us. We need to grow in endurance. Believers need to face even the unrighteous work of the enemy and see it as a way to rise in courage and spiritual strength.  We are called to be witnesses of the truth that you never leave or forsake us.  Help us to care as much for others as we do about ourselves. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

“Strange isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around,
it leaves an awful hole, doesn’t it?
—Clarence, the angel

For our Advent devotions—the next 25 days—I have chosen to partner them with the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In my opinion, the movie is a classic. The story helps us better understand God’s redemptive process, the struggle of the flesh, as well as reveals how easily we can become blinded to what actually makes a “rich” life.

The setting is Upstate New York during the first half of the 20th century. Bedford Falls—a fictional town—faces a drastic economic change during the Great Depression which is followed by the United State’s entry into WWII. Risk and persecution surround George; however, he keeps pressing on. Then, by no fault of his own, George’s business comes up $8000 short—landing him in a financial crisis that threatens the ruin of his business, home, and reputation. He struggles to hold onto his hope for a positive future. Have you experienced broken hope?

On Christmas Eve, we meet George Bailey who is now overcome with despair. He contemplates jumping off a bridge into the freezing cold water below. While George is thinking about suicide, a guardian angel named Clarence Odbody, jumps into the water and cries for help. George is unsettled and confused, but jumps in to save him. Even after meeting Clarence and hearing that God sent him, George still wishes he had never been born.

It is then Clarence shows George what life would have been like without him. Without George around, evil would have more power. Clarence wants to see George restored to wholeness, so he reveals the Truth to him about how his life matters in God’s creation.

You matter; we all matter, because we can make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes, it is easy to feel small and insignificant or that our troubles will never end, but that is not the Truth. You are precious to God.

OT Reading: Psalm 119:13-14 NLT  “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

NT Reading: Ephesians 2:10 NLT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Prayer: Father, thank you for the truth that we gain from your Word and our lesson today from Capra’s story about George Bailey. Evil always seeks to make human quitters, but you came to make us more than conquerors. In the best of times and in the worst of times, our lives have value and can make a difference for the advancement of righteousness. We are interconnected in ways we cannot fully comprehend. So, please help us grab ahold of biblical hope and live for Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving Observance [Author Unknown]

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Psalm 100 VOICE

1 

Raise your voices;
    make a beautiful noise to the Eternal, all the earth.

2 

Serve the Eternal gladly;
    enter into His presence singing songs of joy!

3 

Know this: the Eternal One Himself is the True God.
    He is the One who made us;
    we have not made ourselves;
    we are His people, like sheep grazing in His fields.

4 

Go through His gates, giving thanks;
    walk through His courts, giving praise.
    Offer Him your gratitude and praise His holy name.

5 

Because the Eternal is good,
    His loyal love and mercy will never end,
    and His truth will last throughout all generations.

Prayer:  Lord, today, we pray for the whole world to wake up and bow before your sacred Presence in honor and with thanksgiving.  As your sons and daughters gather and bow to give you thanks, please fill us with joy unspeakable.  Your love and faithfulness leads us forward in confident hope even in the midst of challenges.  We praise you for your goodness toward us and thank you for grace.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

NOTE: I will be sharing our Advent devotions, starting Monday. Blessings!

Delays have become a part of life and we might as well accept it. To name a few, we experience delays when traveling, attending scheduled appointments, or working with technology. Human beings do not graciously welcome delays even if they are connected to positive outcomes. Only the Spirit can develop patience within and produce self-control in us, because our human inclination is to hunger for immediate gratification.

Immediate gratification is all about desire and satisfaction. Our brains want satisfaction now, because otherwise we are uncomfortable. We are inclined to sacrifice what is greater in the future, for something that is immediately before us. For example, we may be willing to put on credit what we know we cannot afford, because we want it now.

Although sometimes God allows certain delays in order to help us grow and develop in the fruit of the Spirit, he never delays in affirming his love for us. We cannot be separated from God’s love. Paul reminds us of this promise, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (Ro 8:38).

This week, as we approach Thanksgiving Day, let us remember there are many reasons to praise the Lord; to proclaim our gratitude and give him thanks. I am so grateful for God’s deep and abiding love; a love that never lets us go and never fails us. We can so quickly wander from our secure connection with Christ, because the world is always luring God’s people to reach for that which is tangible—immediate gratification. However, God has promised us a reward in the future that is unimaginable (1 Cor 2:9). If we have to surrender something today—or delay our gratification because the timing is not right—then, we must place our faith and confident trust in the Truth that God never withholds any good thing from us. In time, God’s goodness and blessing will manifest.

Psalm 117 NLT

1
Praise the Lord, all you nations.
    Praise him, all you people of the earth.
2 
For his unfailing love for us is powerful;
    the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, help us to increase in the fruit of patience, so we can hold out for the promise you have made to us. We know our future will be glorious and whatever we sacrifice today, you will make up for it in the days ahead. In the meantime, we want to thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness. These are two amazing gifts for which we are truly grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yesterday, in our worship service, we focused on God’s sovereignty as Creator; the owner of heaven and earth and everything in it. Think about it this way, God owns everything and our gratitude should constantly be focused toward Him. A spirit of thanksgiving must permeate believers.

We discussed how believers are no longer their own; we belong to God. Because of Jesus, our identity’s have been changed. We have been bought with the blood of Christ and our bodies are now temples of God. We are sons and daughters of the Most High. Therefore, how we live our lives needs to conform to God’s righteous standard if we are claiming to be his worshipers.

In our passage from the psalter today, we are reminded about the coming of the King of Glory—the Creator and Sovereign who is the object of our worship. As human beings covered by the blood of Jesus, we can now ascend to enjoy a vibrant and grace-provided relationship with God. We can worship him in Spirit and in Truth [Christ].

We must focus on Christ vs. ourselves. We came into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. Our hands are empty and our souls have NO pockets. John Wesley put it this way, “When the Possessor of heaven and earth brought you into being, and placed you in this world, he placed you here not as a proprietor, but a steward.”

So, as stewards, we must manage resources God’s way, for God’s purposes, and for God’s glory. We are wise to hold things loosely. I’ve certainly learned that lesson this past year. We must learn to serve God with open hands and we choose to invest all things wisely to benefit the King and his Kingdom. So, this reality leads us back to remember, God owns it all!

It reminds me of a poem written by Martha Snell Nicholson—
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most,
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth’s highways, grieving,
In my rags and poverty.
Till I heard His voice inviting,
“Lift those empty hands to Me!”
So I held my hands toward Heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Till they could contain no more.
And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God COULD not pour His riches
Into hands already full!

Psalm 24 NLT A psalm of David.
1 
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
    The world and all its people belong to him.
2 
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
    and built it on the ocean depths.
3 
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
    who do not worship idols
    and never tell lies.
5 
They will receive the Lord’s blessing
    and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 
Such people may seek you
    and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.[a] Interlude
7 
Open up, ancient gates!
    Open up, ancient doors,
    and let the King of glory enter.
8 
Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty;
    the Lord, invincible in battle.
9 
Open up, ancient gates!
    Open up, ancient doors,
    and let the King of glory enter.
10 
Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
    he is the King of glory.

Prayer: Father, as we move forward this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, we know our greatest expression of gratitude belongs to you. Because of our human spiritual poverty, you have chosen to extend the riches of Christ’s inheritance to believers. We thank you for grace and for the love that you have given us. We praise you our precious King of Glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Faith—trust in God—is necessary for living each day with Hope. It is the foundation under everything that makes life worth living (Heb. 11:1-2). Without faith, we cannot gain a proper perspective of life; therefore, it becomes impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Our Creator has made us anew through faith; the gift of grace delivered by faith in Christ is the only way to know God exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Eph. 2:8; Heb 11:6). So, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we can connect to our Living Hope and live each day in spiritual abundance. Jesus makes us more than conquerors (Ro. 8:31b). If God is guiding our lives, how can we lose?

In our passage today, the Apostle Peter reminds the early scattered believers—throughout the northern areas of Asia Minor—they are to standout in the culture where they live. These Christians were probably expelled from Rome by the evil emperor Nero. The focus of Peter’s letter is to give these early believers a different perspective of faith during times of persecution. Believers are swimming upstream against the cultural current empowered by allegiance to Christ and the Spirit while unbelievers remain spiritually dead and floating downstream wherever their desires take them.

As followers of Christ, we also struggle submitting to injustice and ungodly people-pleasing authority. We feel the tension in our very souls and rise to see things differently. God is our Author and we live under his Authority. There is no need to demand that others see things the way we do; in fact, apart from Christ giving human beings spiritual eyesight, we are all blind to the things of God. People must seek God if they want to know the One who opens the eyes of the blind to provide Truth (Jo. 8:32; Jo. 9:6-7).

Believers in Christ—our Lord and the Living Word—may be seen in our culture as narrow, foolish, or even strange because we choose to view things from a heavenly perspective. Our faithful God deserves our trust; we can place our faith in his care even when we are criticized, persecuted, or struggle to swim against the cultural current. We must rejoice in our ability to live differently in spite of what is going on around us.

Jesus told his disciples [us] the world would be hostile—hate us because it hated him (Jo. 15:18). If the world loves us and we wait to be affirmed by the world, we have lost our Way. When, by faith, we stay on the righteous path while living on earth, we are given divine protection and promised a reserved place in heaven. God is the Deliverer and he will keep us in his will and safe in his care no matter what we may face. Keep the faith and hang onto your HOPE, because the Savior is with you.

1 Peter 1:3-9 NLT The Hope of Eternal Life
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making us strong conquerors in the midst of this raging cultural flood. We stand on solid ground, because you are our Rock and Refuge. We do not need to be afraid nor do we need to lose our way. We have placed our Hope in you, Lord. The Spirit is our guide for daily living and we need to be listening and following along your divinely perceived righteous path. Continue to keep our eyes open and our way clear in Jesus’ name. Amen.