1 Peter 2:11

"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul" 1 Peter 2:11

Beloved = Christian
Sojourner = to stay as a temporary resident
Pilgrim = one who journeys in foreign lands

Peter uses verses 11 and 12 to introduce the idea of being set apart so that those that don't know Christ may see him through our actions. This theme will continue through chapter 4.

It is important to note that Peter address this command to Christians and he refers to his readers as sojourners and pilgrims. Both of these terms set up the fact that we in a temporary home. Our true home is in heaven, we are only temporary residents here on Earth. But our job is no less important than that of a pilgrim - we have been given a very specific task to accomplish - show others Christ.

In the next posts, we will discover several ways to do this - but the first way Peter gives us, is to abstain from fleshy lust that war against our soul. A fleshly lust is any desire that is against God's Word. God calls us to be Holy because He is holy but He also acknowledges that it is extremely hard battle referring to it as a war. What I know is this - all things are possible through Him who gives me strength. We are in the battle - but it is not ours to fight. When we give up and let God do the fighting, we can abstain from evil desires. And because we can't do it on our own - God gets the glory and shows off His power in our lives.

I am very thankful that we serve such a big God.

1 Peter 2:9-10

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10

As some of you may know, I started on a journey to memorize the book of 1 Peter. It has been slow at times and a lot of rework other times. So, the reason I started this blog was to hold myself accountable to see this through and share a few of my thoughts on what God is teaching me through this amazing book. Sorry I am starting in the middle of chapter 2. Maybe one day I will go back through those verses that I have skipped.

What is our calling?

I love museums. Last year I had the chance to go to Washington DC with a couple of friends and they quickly learned that I could spend all day at the different Smithsonian museums. One of my favorite exhibits wasn't open due to remodeling - but it is inauguration dresses of the first ladies. They are a symbol of elegance and style of those that wore them. But when you really think about it - it is just some material cotton, polyester, rayon - nothing different than what you could find in your own closet - what made those dresses were the women who wore them.

That story reminds me of this verse. We are CHOSEN, ROYAL, HOLY and SPECIAL. Wow. That feels good...but wait - just like the clothes we are nothing without the Lord. God chose this generation. God ordained us as a royal priesthood. God sets us apart. God by His grace and mercy clothed us through the blood of His Son and calls us special.

When we grasp this concept - the second part of the verse comes easy- proclaim the praises of Him who called Dawn out of darkness into His marvelous light. Proclaim the praises...I don't do that often enough. When I think of proclaim, I think of standing at the top of the mountain and shouting. Sometimes we stay safely tucked inside our comfort zone. But since God made us CHOSEN, ROYAL, HOLY and SPECIAL we are not to be ashamed of one who gives our calling.

We are the people of God. Clothed in His mercy. Asked nothing more than to proclaim His praises.

Oh Gracie!!

Although exhausted - I decided to start blogging last night. I set up this great template and had grandiose ideas today of sharing my profound thoughts over 1 Peter 2:10. I had it all my head - but then comes that call that every pet owner fears...

Let me back up a little...Ttoday after work, I had a working dinner with my colleagues in from Mexico. One of those dinners that you really don't want to go to but it is required - so you put on your happy face and go. I had lined up a friend to walk Gracie so all is good right...

Nope.

Gracie gets all out of whack if you don't follow her routine. If you leave her home alone, not locked in the laundry room - she will find anything and everything to get into. Well, my roomie today couldn't get her in the laundry room and left her out. She shut all the doors and put the trash away. Thinking all would just fine.

But Gracie is just too smart. She managed to get into the pantry and find 2 bags of chocolate chips and the bag of croutons. She didn't leave a morsel to waste.

So now I am babysitting a dog on crack - I don't suggest trying this at home. So instead of my thoughts on what is truly important - My first post will be my ramblings on my sweet little Gracie who I am sure I will love tomorrow - I am just not so sure right now :)