Colorado Possibilites!

We have safely arrived in Colorado from California! We were welcomed with snow flurries and a bristling cold, and it is absolutely fabulous! I love seeing snow fall from the sky! It has been many years since I have lived in snow country, and the big fluffy flakes that we are seeing remind me of childhood fun in the snow in New York.

But I digress. We lived in Colorado for 18 years, but that was 21 years ago! I was reminded of some things as we traveled across the country, and saw the majestic vistas of snow-covered mountains and scenery that looked like a post card for the west. I had forgotten about pronghorns and prairie dogs. They seem to litter the countryside from Utah on, as well as the crazy black and white magpies that pop up everywhere along the way. I love these reminders of our past here, and it causes me to think that there is so much possibility ahead as we explore this beautiful state once again, and find our way around new, exciting places.

What is going through my mind right now? Questions about how I will find my niche here, and where I will plug in and join others in community. What friends will I make and where can I make a difference are high on that list of questions. I have been in the same place for quite a while, and change is not always easy for me. I know that this is where God has us for the next season of our lives, and I don’t want to waste it. As we step out in faith into all the new experiences that lie ahead, I am grateful for God’s provision for us, and for all the possibilities to intentionally live every day. No matter where we are, our lives can reflect what we believe. I want to be the woman God made me to be, and to live out the purposes He has created for me to fulfill. The place doesn’t matter, but my character does! This is my opportunity to step into all the possibilities that lie ahead and embrace this new adventure with positive energy and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Each day is a gift, and I want to live life to the fullest with every moment I am given here. “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

1 Peter 3, Reading Through the NT 2015

Read chapter 3 of 1 Peter today.

Peter writes about those who are married to an unbeliever. Wives who finds themselves in this position should try to win over their husbands by the way they treat them. Our witness is not always in words, but in how we act and what we do. If you have a spouse that does not embrace your faith, submitting to them out of respect will go far in helping them see God’s love demonstrated to them.

Peter talks about the source of beauty, and it is not from what we wear or how we look. This is counter-cultural, because society places so much value on our outward appearance. We should not dress to impress, but be modest and live with a gentle quiet spirit. This is another way that people will see that our priorities are focused on our relationships – with God and with them, and not on outward adornments meant to draw attention to ourselves. Peter used Sarah as an example, and she was obedient to her husband, Abraham. She put her hope and trust in God, and was willing to follow Abraham’s leading, even when neither of them were sure where they were going. Our ultimate trust in God will be the single most important factor in how we deal with life’s struggles. If we are sure that God is in control, we can endure a lot of hardship, for we know it is only temporary. We need not give in to fear, for we are confident that God has our back.

A short reminder to husbands is given in verse 7, to ask for consideration for their wives and to treat them with respect. He calls them the weaker partner, and is most likely referring to their physical stature. Men are built to be stronger and have been placed as the head of the family to be both the spiritual and physical leaders of the household. Protecting their families was a large part of the responsibility of a husband at the time of this writing.

We are to think and behave in a Christ-like manner at all times, and it is not always easy. Peter tells us to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving one another, compassionate and humble. We are not to seek revenge and be careful not to speak evil against anyone. This is another reminder to watch our tongues, and think about what we say before we blurt out that insult or criticism. We are to do good, and seek peace. God is watching us, and He is listening for our prayers. His desire is for us to be serving others and living righteous lives. We don’t demonstrate this lifestyle when we are grumbling and speaking against people. May our words express kindness and love, to show the world what we believe.

Our actions and speech may be mocked or dismissed. There are many who oppose our way of thinking, and want to stifle the gospel message. There are countless Christians all over the world who are being persecuted for their faith, and yet stand strong in their beliefs. Peter tells us that God blesses this behavior. We should not fear, but always be ready to testify to God’s goodness and mercy. We have a living hope, as Peter already reminded us, and this is why we can continue to do good despite opposition.

Jesus suffered for our sake, to bring us to God. Peter recounts the gospel story, and reminds us that He died for us, but was raised to new life in the Spirit. He gives the parallel story of Noah, who with his family was saved from the flood waters, just as we show our salvation through baptism. It is a symbol of our commitment to Christ, and a witness to the world that we believe in God, and are forgiven of all our sin. It is by grace, through Christ, in faith that we are saved. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, waiting for just the right time to return and complete our salvation. We can submit ourselves to His power and authority, just as the angels do, for we have seen His Holy Spirit at work in our lives, and know the hope of eternal life that He brings to us!