Week 43 of 52

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1)

This verse has two applications – spiritual and physical. We like to think of the spiritual application – if I am sturdy spiritually, then it is my duty to help those who are babes in Christ (Galatians 6). However, a more practical application that stares us in the face daily is the physical: those who are physically strong are to help those who are physically weak. In the age in which we live, more and more people are living with progressive health concerns (dietetic, mental, emotional, etc.). If God has blessed us with good health, how are we using it? Are we pleasing ourselves by pursuing our dreams? Or are we available to help those who are weak and cannot help themselves? Is there someone that you know who would appreciate it if you spent some time helping them – bearing their infirmities?

Week 42 of 52

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:14-16)

A while back, I had memorized 1 Peter 3:15-16 but when I memorized verse 14, it made so much more sense! There is a contrast that is described: we are not to be afraid or troubled but instead, sanctify (purify, concentrate) our hearts and be ready to answer for our hope! What if we took our moments when fear arose in our hearts to commit God’s Word to memory? What if we spent our worried times reading and meditating on the Bible? I think that those times would become scarcer as we learn to bring our fears at the foot of Christ.

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How has your memory verse spoken to you this week?

Week 41 of 52

“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 1 Peter 3:13

There is blessed peace in knowing that we are doing right. Which contrast describes us better? “The wicked flee when no man purueth” or “the righteous are bold as a lion?” (Proverbs 28:1) The Lord promises that “When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

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Have you taken the time to memorize one of God’s verses this week?

Week 40 of 52

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

We like to claim the first part of this verse – God is watching us and is listening for our prayers. But the sober reality is that the face of the Lord is also against the evil-doers. Do we remember that God’s eyes are upon us – whether we are living uprightly or not? Do we remember that God sees everything we say, think, and do? May we live our lives in fear of God!

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What verse have you committed to memory this week?

Week 39 of 52

“Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” 1 Peter 3:11

There are a few words in this verse that we do not use daily.

Eschew . . . deviate, shun, decline

Ensue . . . pursue

According to this verse, then, we are to deviate, shun, and decline evil and instead, do good, and seek/pursue good. Does that describe my life and my desire?