SCRIPTURE: Is. 36-37; Ps. 76; 1 Pet. 1

1 Peter 1:18-21 Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

OBSERVATIONS: The Greek words behind the passages we know and love sometimes carries a message that isn’t easy to translate into English. Today’s passage is an example of that. Compare these verses to the NIV or the NKJV or the NRSV and you’ll see. That said, the Message brings forward the idea that Christ’s death cannot be taken for granted if we wish to maintain a healthy relationship with our God.

Daily efforts to be conscious of God’s work in the world are a part of our discipleship. It is part of what Paul means by “praying without ceasing.”

APPLICATION: Today, I will exercise my ability to be in constant communication with God, constant communion. Every action can be the breaking of bread. Every word can be the sharing of the cup. Every thought can be the overheard conversation with the Creator. This is probably a good time to reread some parts of “The Shack.”

PRAYER: Good morning, Father. Thank you for the reminder of your presence and the invitation to join you throughout this day. Through the companionship of Christ I pray. Amen.