NOVEMBER 28, 2023

  “We will not be measured by the world’s standards anymore. We will be measured by the plumb line of God’s Word. We will be people who live out our Christianity by walking faithfully in obedience to God. We will love mercy and justice. We will love others the way God loves us— unconditionally, relentlessly, and with grace.”

― Teresa Schultz

EZEKIEL 40

1In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there. 2In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. 3He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. 4The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”(40:1-4) 

1 PETER 5

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

JOURNAL 

Here in 1 Peter, Peter is writing to those who have been displaced and who are struggling. Here he writes as a witness to all that Christ suffered. He writes as one who devoted his life and spent it intimately with Christ. These final words of the letter are sobering and a reminder that we are here for a purpose. We are here to serve, we are here to be examples and to encourage. We are here to be humble and submit. We are here to take action...he promises that no matter the outcome in this world he will restore us.

This past week has been really good with family...just being together, it's why Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. These times are so important and necessary. They are necessary because they remind me of the importance of relationships over stuff and things. They also serve to remind how different our lives are in comparison to these early Christians who were dying and being martyred for the faith. These early believers could only dream of the life we enjoy. It is really humbling to consider the difference. Yet although the circumstances are different the message is still the same. Be humble, resist evil and cling to God and our family of believers. 

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

ACTS 9:17-19