1 Peter 3

This morning, I was reading from 1 Peter 3 in The Message version. Verse 8 begins with the words “summing up.” I’ve learned over the years to pay really close attention to passages of scripture that begin like that, or with “therefore” or things like that – those are signals of summation where the writer is declaring, “Hey, dude. I’m about to boil all of this down, so pay attention.” At least I imagine Peter calling me dude. Anyway.

I was challenged in my reading to ask how often am I a blessing, really. Because I was a little iffy on how I responded to my own question, I dug into the word “blessing” a bit. And what I found was interesting, on several levels. First, the word originates from Old English blētsian, from blōd blood; from the use of blood in consecration. To consecrate is to dedicate to a sacred purpose. That pushed me to think of OT sacrifices, and the blood that would literally run off the altar. OT sacrifices made me think of Jesus – the one sacrificed for all. And his blood, shed for me, consecrates me for a sacred purpose when I yield my life to God.

So, now my question is this – how often do I fulfill my sacred purpose, that is God-ordained (Ephesians 2:10)? When I do that – when I live out of my sense of purpose – then I will be a blessing to others.

Here is a key point to remember from the text: “Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.” Maybe that’s the greatest blessing I can share with someone. In hearing my story, maybe theirs will end differently. Maybe they will yield to Christ and be consecrated by his blood. And then they can bless others as well. Maybe, if I am ready to speak up.

The last thing that hit me this morning was this: there is a difference between suffering and punishment. Let that verse soak in and see what you think. Maybe that verse will affect how we view life, and how we respond to what each new day holds. I’d be up for discussing your $0.02 on suffering and punishment.

To give 1 Peter 3 a read, click here.

Mighty to Save

Jesus has conquered the grave, and is Mighty to Save! May that Truth saturate your soul today.



Come, Lord Jesus. AMEN!

TSCC, How's Your Vision?

Birthday Decorations

I left work today pretty stressed out - we had an intense customer project dropped on us, and where I really wanted to be was home with my family, since today was my birthday. So I walk out the door, feeling a little beat down. And I turn the corner of my lab to find this:

When I drove through town, I felt like the commercial where the family has their own parade! It's good to be loved, even by quasi-artistic friends. I know who you are, and I know where you live. Oh yes.

Thanks for making me smile on my birthday!

One of Those Days

There are some days it seems that all I can do is hang on to the simplest of teachings from Jesus. This is one of those days.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Today is the Day

Today (March 4) is the day that Into the Wild comes out on DVD. Seriously deep movie - don't miss it!

Come and Go

Almost the first word of Our Lord’s public life was “come” (John 1:39, Mark 1:17, Matthew 4:18). The final word of his public life was “go” into the world (John 20:21, Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:18). First one must come to him to learn, to be inspired, to find the ultimate goal of life, to discover meaning, purposes, the significance of justice and liberty. Then go among the nations, go to accomplish, go to serve, to wash feet, to feed the hungry, to establish equality, to pick up the wounded like good Samaritans.

~ Fulton J. Sheen, Footprints in a Darkened Forest

Yes, I Hate Daylight Savings Time

Oh, how I loathe Daylight Savings Time. And now, there is proof to back me up.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/83073

I'm Lucky

Saturday was my wife Rachelle's birthday. To celebrate, we did something that we don't do often enough, and it's something healthy for all couples to do. [Pull your mind out of the gutter . . . Jeez!]

We went out on a date - just the two of us. No kids. No other couples. Just us. We had dinner at Friday's, coffee at Starbucks, then took in the movie "Juno." It was great to talk, hold hands, and just be together without worrying about running here, taking kids there, and working on "to do" lists.

Happy Birthday Shell Bug - I am still lucky to be married to you!

Be Kind

"Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle" ~ Philo of Alexandria

How about you? What great battles are you fighting, today?

And how can I lock arms with you to stand against the enemy?

A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Let us live life, together.