email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

October 25, 2018

1 Peter 3:13-17

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

New International Version (NIV)

                 Honestly, most of my wounds have been self-inflicted. Unfortunately, the pain in my life often relates back to choices I have made. This truth leads to humility if I will follow Christ. Peter explained what most of us think: if we do the right thing, thinks will work out well. This is not always true.

                A friend of mine called his church to right relationships racially and found himself in a storm of criticism. One of his deacons said, “Pastor when you get outside the Lord’s will, you may find yourself in a storm.” My friend who had more courage than discretion at times said, “The Apostle Paul often found himself in a storm while he was in God’s will.”

                One of my good friends did the right thing and ran afoul of the powers that be. He showed fearless faith in the face of false accusation. Peter says, “Always be ready to give the reason for the hope that is in you.” Is anyone asking? About our hope, I mean? Gently, with clear conscience we explain the reason we hope in Jesus. In the end, those who falsely accuse will be ashamed when our right choices shed light on their malicious ones. If you have to suffer, be sure it is for doing the right thing!

Pray with me:

Father, give us the courage to live fearlessly. Today we surrender again to the sovereignty of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord give us the gift of visible, tangible, palpable hope which makes others wonder. Let us rest this night on the soft pillow of a clear conscience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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