Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Foundations April 20, 2011

END TIMES READING PLAN: Malachi 3-4
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Peter 1:6-9 (ESV); In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you
have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more
precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise
and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you
love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is
inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your
souls.


This passage speaks of the reward that is to come. There awaits in heaven for us eternal
treasures that moth and rust cannot destroy. When we bear trials with grace, when we treat
others with kindness, when we choose to be selfless – these and all other obedience to
Christ accumulate for us rewards that are more precious than we can dream of.
It is easy to lose sight of the reality of eternal reward. We find so much pleasure in earthly
things that it is hard to imagine any other kind of reward. But our Creator is good and wise
and has unimaginable wonders in store. Undoubtedly these wonders will draw us closer
to Him in relationship. The outcome of our faith in our unseen God is the salvation of our
souls. We will not perish, but we will have eternal life because our God loves us and has
made a way for us to have glorious life with Him forevermore!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Read 1 Peter 1:3-9 and meditate on the whole passage. What does God want to teach
you from it?
2) Do you look forward to eternal life with Christ? If not, why? Ask God if there is anything
that you are holding onto too tightly on this earth. It is good to enjoy life, but we should
also look forward to our true lives with Him. Is there anything that God wants you to
get rid of for a time so that you can grow in expectancy and joy to be with him?
3) Ask God if there is anything you are doing that is hindering your eternal reward. Is
there a person you are mistreating, a bad attitude you are harboring, etc? Ask Him
for His forgiveness and commit to reconciling the situation.