Happy Monday! Have you had one of those days where things seemed a bit out of control? You know those days when things are constantly going but you feel like you aren’t going anywhere. What do you do to refocus and put your mind at ease? How do you continue to stay pleasant and kind? Today, we will pick back up in 1 Peter chapter 1, and read what Peter instructed in his letter.

^“13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. ¹⁴ So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. ¹⁵ But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”” – 1 Peter 1:13-16NLT

Peter gave us step by step instructions on what we should do.

• Have hope, with a prepared mind and self-control.
• Be holy, not conforming to evil desires.

Each day we encounter situations that challenge our character, therefore it is necessary to always be prepared in our minds to respond with self-control. This act of self-control is difficult when we have been or felt that we have been wronged, or we haven’t had enough sleep which robs the brain of patience or clarity, or we haven’t been plugged into the word of God as much as we once were.

However, Peter is calling us to prepare or be ready. Ready, for a response that is obedient or aligned with the word of God. If we are self-controlled, not controlled by other things we can truly seek a response that is pleasing to God. Putting our complete hope in Christ is the best thing that we can do. His word is perfect. His love is perfect. His grace is unending.

While it is easy to turn back to our old self, respond as someone else responds to us, or belittles or gossips about someone or us falling short, we must stand strong in our faith and hope that is in Christ Jesus and the salvation that we have in Christ Jesus. As believers our new birth in Christ sets us apart and gives us the ability to respond in a way that glorifies God.

Today, brothers and sisters, wherever your path may lead, may you be self controlled, allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of your actions, your tongue and your mind. Ask the Lord, to help you restrain the old-self, live as one in Christ Jesus (self-controlled), and live a life in submission or obedience to God’s word.

Father God, thank you for your loving kindness and mercy. Lord, thank you for your grace that is extended to us. Lord, forgive us for the times when our tongues and actions did not reflect a life in Christ. Lord, help us to grow in obedience to your word and imitate you in our daily lives. Lord, direct us to lean more on you than ourselves. Help us to always be prepared and ready to respond with self-control. Lord, remind us that everything doesn’t require a response and when it does, Lord help us to acknowledge you in all we do and say. Keep changing us. In Jesus name, amen.

Don’t take the bait of the enemy. Live as one who is in Christ. Keep praying.

Sisters and brothers, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events, we have openings for volunteer positions (e.g., coordinators, event planners, etc.) and also to fill four Board positions that will be available on July 1, 2019. If you would like more information, please send an email to contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

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Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

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