Posted on February 26, 2023 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
THE JOURNEY
Live Good Lives
By Molly Fisher
I love that this devotional tool is called “The Journey” because life is a journey. Every minute between birth and death, decisions are made, by ourselves or others, about our life, and each decision directs the next step and then the next and the next.
Peter reminds us that because of one decision about Jesus, we are called to a different life and path. We should no longer do what we’ve always done, follow the path of least resistance, or get too comfortable. Still, to live our best life, one that is for our best and benefits others, we have new choices to make to live such good lives that others can’t help but notice and be drawn to the source of the light in our life.
When our kids were younger, we had the privilege of hosting exchange students. These students took a risk to leave all that was comfortable and known to live with a family they did not know and go to a new school with people that spoke a language different than they were used to speaking or hearing. The learning curve was steep, much was not easy, and it only sometimes met expectations. However, this choice to live differently, over time, created new experiences and provided new friends and a new family. For us, the host family, we got to live out our faith and hope to be a light that reflected Jesus, even through the challenges and trials that inevitably came up with hosting teenagers. What a blessing that decision was for our family! We all learned how to welcome someone who was once a stranger into our homes and lives. We learned to value others and expand our family to include others.
As I read Peter’s letter, I recognize that I should feel a little like a stranger in this world, and sometimes I do, but the temptation is to get comfortable, fall back on old habits, and not move forward or accept the challenge to live my best life. How we live our lives should set us apart, be the example we set, and be honoring to God.
“Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11-12 MSG
“Be generous with your life.” Matthew 5:16 MSG
Last week Kristen reminded us that Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Then reminded us that how we answer this question says much about us. This week Brad added to that the questions of how we live a life that exemplifies what we believe about Jesus, or where in our journey to living such a good life we are? Are you on the path, making choices that allow you to live your best life, or are you off the map because something caught your eye and distracted you?
Prayer from Pete Greig in a Lectio 365 devotion:
I set my feet on the pilgrim’s way for the coming day. Acknowledging its ordinariness, I choose to see your face in the people I meet. Accepting its pace, I decide to welcome frustrations as invitations to grace. And anticipating its temptations, I fix my eyes on you who beckons me home.
Peter acknowledges suffering and that Jesus suffered, but also that we have spent enough time giving in to human desires in the past. Lent is a great time to reflect on the things in our life that get in the way of living a life for God. What can you take out of your life that reminds you of the past in a negative way that, if removed, will help you focus on your best life?
If you have changed, don’t always expect praise from others. In this world, you will be judged by human standards. Have you faced criticism that seems unjust or unfair? Live according to God, listen for his Spirit guiding you – know who God made you to be, and regardless of what others think, become more of that.
The end of all things is near – that seems easier to believe than ever, but we still have no idea what that means other than what time you do have left matters. So pray, and above all, love one another deeply. Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). What does that look like in your life?
“Don’t be surprised by trials….” Yet I am often quite surprised, and it takes a good deal of prayer and intention to reflect on the perspective that Jesus shares in those trials with me. Turn your problems over to Jesus, who will help carry the burden.
Why/how do you suffer? Because of the consequences of poor decisions? If because of your beliefs, praise God that you bear his name. You can claim redemption, forgiveness, comfort, and hope.
It begins with us – commit to God and continue to do good. Doing good things allows your light to shine to exemplify Jesus and praise God (Matthew 5:16).
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
