Fields United Methodist Church

Day 31.  Take Time to Be Holy

May 6, 2020

“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.”  I Peter 1:13

Read: I Peter 1

When this was included on the schedule for swim practice, there was a unanimous grown; swim fifty yards underwater ten times. It was perhaps the most painful exercise because it required being in condition, and the discipline to continue to the end regardless of the pain that was felt, in the hope that the result would be positive and the ability to swim would be enhanced. As an athlete prepares for competition focusing on the goal, so too does a person of faith. The goal is to be in a closer relationship with God through our living Savior Jesus Christ. It is not always easy living a life of faith; life has many twists and turns that can distract us if we are not careful. Yet the gift that is offered to all people who turn to Christ is a life all bound up in God’s eternal love, not just in this life but also in the life to come. We are human, and as humans, our bodies are fallible, our minds can be distracted by things we should not focus on (sin) that sends us in a direction that widens the gap between us and God. Life can be difficult there is no doubt, but God is saying, “do not fear, I am with you even to the end of the age.” The Coronavirus and the ensuing shutdown (changing) of our lives as a result has impacted us in so many ways; but there is hope. The same power that resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead is offered to you, to give you all that is needed to overcome whatever this pandemic or life’s journey has put in your path.  The same power that created the universe and said, “it was good,” will never let you go and will give you the strength to endure, and to overcome anything that life hands you. Fact is, God seeks for you to live life “in abundance,” not material abundance but abundance of grace, grace offered; grace received; grace shared. Perhaps the greatest joy we are offered is the grace and the privilege of sharing grace with someone else; when we share the grace that has been given to us, that is when Christ is revealed.  The joy of living in the pure love of God, loving God and loving neighbor, is offered to you today, right now; set your hope on the grace that has no end.

How does faith make a difference in your life?

What 3 things can you do to deepen your relationship with Jesus?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to focus my life on your gift of grace. Offer me your hope that has no end and share that gift with someone today.  Amen