If you think you’re settled, and you think you belong – look around – today’s chapter may shine light on where home really is…
READ 1 PETER 2 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
I first came in contact with the word “diaspora” when our daughter worked for Diaspora Hope[a] in South Africa. It’s defined as relating to people who’ve been dispersed from their homeland – often against their wishes. They may settle down in a new country, but they never feel truly “at home” there.
In this 1st Century letter to Believers dotted all over the Roman Empire, Peter uses the term sojourner – a pilgrim, a wanderer, a refugee – for a Believer/Follower of the Creator God. Humanity was exiled from the Garden of Eden – the place we were designed to live in the beginning – to journey through this life on Planet Earth.[b] Settling down and doing well, may be fine. But is this life here, where we truly belong? Because, if I don’t belong here; if I’m no longer part of this world and its ways; then whatever I do should be evaluated in light of my true home: Heaven – the Kingdom of my Father God.
So, if I were to define “Diaspora”, I’d say I’m part of the global diaspora. But as a foreigner and exile here on Planet Earth, I’ll retain the culture of my “home country” and “family roots”. Therefore, it should be natural for me to: “abstain from sinful desires, that wages war against our soul”. [v11] I should live such a good life among the local population that, though they accuse me of doing wrong, they might see my good deeds and glorify my Father God on the Day He comes. [v12]
Read More? … CLICK to follow “07 December – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with your Father God? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help.[c]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Lord, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God of heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand you! [2 Chronicles 20:6]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Those living in poverty in the USA[d]
Your Country: God’s will to be done on earth
Yourself: Spiritual Growth
Your concerns for today
When I consider the ravens: how they don’t sow or reap, they’ve no storerooms or barns; yet You, Father God, feed them. And how much more valuable am I than birds! [Luke 12:24]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
When I’ve been defeated because I’ve sinned against You, and when I turn back to You and give praise to Your name, praying and making supplication to You in Your dwelling place, then hear from heaven and forgive me and bring me back to the place where I belong. [1 Kings 8:33-34]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
If I rise on the wings of the dawn and if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Father God, Your right hand will hold me fast. [Psalm 139:9-10]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[e] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual Conflict
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7]
[a] http://omsouthafrica.org/diaspora-hope
[b] Genesis 3:21-24
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/unsa/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31