260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 225 - 1 Peter 3: Dedication, Preparation, Conversation, Cooperation

With a rhyming title like this, I should be Baptist! Anyway, Peter continues describing submission and here what it should look like between husbands & wives. I find it interesting that he equates submission with inner beauty. In a world that focuses on the external, Peter explains to women that even an unbelieving husband can get saved “when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” Not only that, but a woman’s beauty “should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” This is good stuff ladies. Guys – live with your wife in an understanding way. Yes, that means things like listening more, telling her regularly you love her, maybe even shopping with her! The rest of the chapter returns back to Peter’s theme of suffering. I believe the key is found in four phrases: Dedication: We are to “in our hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” Our commitment to Jesus is to be the foundation for suffering. Preparation: We are also to “Always be prepared…” The Christian life requires discipline! Conversation: “…to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” As we prepare, we begin to know what we believe and why we believe it so we can share that good news with others: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Cooperation: “But do so with gentleness and respect…” You and I can’t MAKE anyone believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit must draw them. Trust me, if we could, I would! But what we can do is BE Jesus to peeps and invite them into a loving, caring community of Jesus-centeredness! So What?!~ *Are you married? If so, in what way can you this week be more understanding of your spouse? If you’re not married yet, make this a good time of preparation, learning to be understanding! *What gets you through tough times? I can honestly say for me it’s JESUS! I wasn’t doing very well before I knew Him! Now it can be Jesus in another person, or Jesus in the Word of God or Jesus in actions – but it’s still Jesus! What are you going through right now that you need Jesus to help you through? He can AND HE WANTS TO HELP! Call on Him today! *Are you prepared to tell someone how they can know Jesus? Can you explain the points of the Gospel? If not, memorize them today! Here is a good resource: http://www.dare2share.org/gospeljourney/