Discipline

​7-16-21
Today's devotion is based on 1 Peter 4:1, 2, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh, no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
Has life ever felt like your life is going somewhere you don't want to go? If this is where you find yourself, this reading is for you. Peter encourages us to remember that Christ has suffered for the whole world, yet we are called to take on suffering in today's reading.
Peter says that as a Christian, you need to be prepared to suffer. The suffering he is referring to is in fearlessly rejecting old habits and behaviors and entering into a new life; the life that God has called you to grow into, according to his will. So, discipline yourself to remain in Christ.
In doing so, you will discover that you are being transformed daily by Christ as you grow in faith in God and love for others.  Knowing that the victorious work of Christ is finished on the cross and that the end of all things is near, you can find hope as you continue on the journey leading you into God's glory.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, gracious God, creator and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen; thank you for extending your grace to all people and by your mercy revealing to us your will for our lives. Send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us so that you may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belongs the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.