Sunday Prayer: Courage and Boldness

Gracious God, I come before you in humility and with a heart full of faith. I thank you for your goodness and mercy, and for the gift of your Son, Jesus, whose sacrifice secured forgiveness and salvation for me.

Lord, I ask for your strength and courage as I navigate the challenges of this world. I pray for boldness to stand up for what is right and to speak truth in love. I ask for the courage to follow your will, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Help me to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity, knowing that you are always with me. Give me the courage to step out in faith, trusting that you will guide me and provide for me every step of the way.

Lord, I pray that you would fill me with the Holy Spirit, that I may be empowered to live the life that brings honor and glory to your name. Give me the courage to share your love and grace with those around me, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging.

Help me to remember that I am not alone, and that you are always with me. May my life be a shining light that points others to you, and may I never waver in my faith or my commitment to your kingdom.

I pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, who is my strength and shield. Amen.

A New Birth Into A Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-5 (CSB)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

The apostle Peter wrote this letter to encourage and strengthen the persecuted believers in Asia Minor. In verses 1 and 2, Peter reminded them that they are God’s chosen people because of the Father’s plan, the Spirit’s transforming work, and the Son’s faithful obedience. 

In this passage, Peter celebrated the new birth that disciples of Jesus experience through faith in Christ, which provided them a living hope and an imperishable inheritance.

Peter wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," which expressed his profound gratitude and worship for God's character and work. Peter recognized that God's gracious mercy is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of salvation. God's mercy is not based on human merit or worthiness but flows from His infinite love and grace. Through His mercy, God has given us new birth that brings us from death to life and makes us children of God (John 1:12-13).

This new birth is not a result of our own efforts or achievements but is a gift of God's grace that is given to us through the faithfulness of Jesus and our trust in him. Peter emphasized that the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the ultimate proof and guarantee that this new birth is a reality and that God’s people now have a living hope. 

Jesus' resurrection validated his claims to be the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan, sin, and death which saved us from the consequences of sin and secured eternal life for his faithful followers. As Paul wrote, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But because Christ has been raised, our faith is alive, vibrant, and victorious.

Peter also highlighted the nature and quality of the inheritance that all of God’s people receive through this new birth. The inheritance we have is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us. It is imperishable because it is not subject to decay, corruption, or death. It is eternal, incorruptible, and indestructible. It is undefiled because it is pure, holy, and perfect. It is untainted by sin, evil, or imperfection. It is unfading because it never loses its value, beauty, or glory. It is the perfect gift that God wants His people to have.

This inheritance is not something we earn or deserve but it is a gracious gift God gives to his people. It is not a temporary or earthly possession but an eternal and heavenly treasure. It is not a vague or abstract concept but a concrete and personal reality. It is something that is grander and more wonderful than we can imagine. It is not something we keep but something that keeps us. It is not something we can lose but something that is guarded by God's promise and power.

Peter also reassured the believers that their inheritance is secure and guarded by God's power through faith. The phrase "you are being guarded" implies ongoing and active protection by God's power. The verb tense suggests that this guarding is not a one-time event but a continuous process. God's power is not limited but it is eternal. His power is not arbitrary or random but is directed by His wisdom and love. God’s power is not passive or indifferent but is active and engaged.

This guarding is also through faith, which implies that Christians have a role to play in our spiritual security. Faith is not a passive or static belief but an active and dynamic trust in God's promises and character. Faith is not a blind or irrational leap but a reasonable and informed response to God's revelation. Faith is not a private or isolated experience but a communal and relational reality. Faith is not a temporary or fluctuating emotion but a persistent and persevering conviction.

Peter concluded this passage by reminding the believers that their salvation is not fully revealed yet, but it is ready to be revealed in the last time. This means that our inheritance is not fully realized yet, we have a glimpse of it, but it will be fully revealed when Jesus returns and makes everything right. Until then, believers must live in hope, faith, and obedience, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure and glorious.

This passage is teaches that our hope and our salvation is all a work of God. It highlights the depth and breadth of God's mercy, the power and significance of Christ's resurrection, and the greatness and certainty of our inheritance. 

This passage also challenges us to live in a way that reflects the reality and hope of our new birth and inheritance. As Peter wrote later in his epistle, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). When we live out our hope we make Jesus real in the world.

As Christians, we have been born again into a living hope and an imperishable inheritance. We are guarded by God's power through faith as we wait for our salvation to be fully revealed. We need to live as children of God, shining the light of Christ in a dark world, and eagerly awaiting the day when we will see Him face to face and inherit all that He has promised.

God’s Power to Transform

Transformation is a popular thing to talk about in our culture. Everywhere we turn, from fitness to self-improvement, people seem to be obsessed with the idea of change. While change can certainly be positive, true transformation is something that cannot be achieved by human effort alone.

Transformation is a key theme in the New Testament, and it provides insight into what it means to experience true change. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse highlights the transformation that is to happen in the life of a disciple of Jesus. It is only through God that we can become a new creation, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a new life Jesus secured for us through his death and resurrection.

Many people try to change themselves through sheer willpower or by following a self-help program. While these things can be helpful, they cannot bring about true transformation. Without the initiative and action of God, we will not be able to become the people God created us to be. We may make temporary changes, but we will not be able to overcome the flesh that controls our lives.

The Apostle Paul understood this truth. In Romans 7:18-19 he wrote, "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." Paul recognized that he was powerless to change on his own. He needed the transformative power of God to break free from his flesh.

Part of the Gospel message is that God is able to transform us. He is in the business of changing the lives of people. In Philippians 1:6, Paul wrote, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God won’t abandon us halfway through the transformation process. We can be confident that He will see it through until the end.

The transformation that God brings about in our lives is not just external, but it is also internal. In fact, the transformation we need is a transformation of our hearts, our minds, and our souls. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. He changes our desires and gives us a new purpose. He also helps us to see ourselves and other people in a new light. The transformation that God brings about is a transformation of the entire person.

There are many benefits to experiencing true transformation through God. For one, we become better equipped to handle the challenges that life throws our way. We are less likely to be shaken by difficult circumstances because we have a firm foundation in Christ. We are also able to experience a greater sense of peace and joy because we are no longer weighed down by the burdens of our past.

Another benefit of experiencing true transformation is that we become better equipped to serve others. As we become more like Jesus, we begin to see the world, and others, through His eyes. We become more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to help those in need. Our relationships with people are strengthened, and we are better able to make a positive impact on those closest to us.

How can we experience transformation in our lives? 

The first step is to acknowledge our need for God. In the Beatitudes Jesus taught that we need to be “poor in spirit.” One of the things this implies is that we must recognize that we are powerless to change on our own and that we need God’s help to become a new creation. Once we have acknowledged our need for God, we can turn to Him and ask Him to work in our lives.

This starts with prayer. We are to confess our sins to God and declare our loyalty to Jesus. We pray and ask God to reveal areas in our lives that need to be transformed. We ask Him to give us the strength to overcome our weaknesses and to help us grow in our relationship with Him. We also pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and guidance.

All of us have those moments of clarity when we realize that our lives are not what they should be. We have attitudes, beliefs, and actions that need to be changed, but often we feel powerless to do anything about it. One of the promises of Christianity is that we can become new people. The only way that will happen is if we surrender our lives to God and allow Him to transform our lives.

Parenting Matters

Parenting is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of life. From the moment a child is born, parents are faced with the responsibility of raising them to become responsible, compassionate, and productive members of society. Christian parents also have the added responsibility of raising their children to be faithful disciples of Jesus. 

While parenting may seem overwhelming at times, it is a critical part of our lives that has a profound impact on the future of our families, churches, and communities. As stressful as parenting can be, it is important that we remember why we do it.

Children are a gift and a responsibility from God

Children are a precious gift from God, and they come into our lives as a result of His plan and design. Because of this we know that each child is unique and has his or her own God-given purpose and potential. As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture and guide our children, helping them to grow and develop in all areas of life.

Since children come from God, we need to remember that He is entrusting them into our care. They are not a burden or inconvenience, but a blessing to be cherished and celebrated. Psalm 127:3-5 says that children like arrows in the hand of a warrior, meaning that parenting children is one way that God will increase His influence in the world. Just as an archer takes careful aim and shoots an arrow towards its target, parents must aim to raise their children in a way that honors God and helps them fulfill their potential.

Raising children is a significant responsibility, and it requires a great deal of effort, sacrifice, and commitment. Proverbs 22:6 teaches us to "train up a child in the way he should go," indicating that we must be intentional and deliberate in our approach to parenting. This involves teaching our children about God and His ways, modeling a life of faith and obedience, and providing them with the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of life.

As parents, we have a profound influence on the spiritual development of our children. We are called to be their primary disciplers, helping them to know and love God, and showing them what it means to follow Jesus. Our decisions about how we raise our children have eternal consequences, and we must take this responsibility seriously.

Parenting is filled with challenges and opportunities

One of the biggest challenges of parenting in today's world is managing the impact of technology on our children's lives. Social media, video games, and other forms of technology can be both a blessing and a curse. While they provide entertainment and educational opportunities, they can also be addictive and contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Even worse, as studies seem to suggest, the role technology has the the social, emotional, and even spiritual development of children is huge. As parents, we must be vigilant in setting limits and boundaries around technology use, and provide our children with good alternatives for entertainment and social interaction.

Another challenge of parenting in today's world is helping our children navigate the complexities of relationships and social dynamics. Peer pressure, bullying, and social isolation are all too common in our society, and they can have a profound impact on our children's emotional and mental health. As parents, we must be attuned to our children's emotional needs and provide them with the guidance and support they need to navigate these challenges.

A third challenge, especially for Christian parents, is teaching children what it means to follow Jesus in a culture that does not accept the values, beliefs, and commitments of God’s Kingdom. Teaching them how to love people even when you don’t agree with them or approve of what they do. Teaching them how to communicate truth, but in a way that is gracious and loving.

Despite these challenges, parenting also presents many opportunities. As parents, we have the opportunity to shape the lives of our children and help them become the best versions of themselves. We can provide them with a strong foundation of faith and values, teach them important life skills, and encourage them to pursue their passions and talents. We can also model healthy behaviors and attitudes, showing them what it means to live a life faithfully following Jesus.

Parenting is crucial for the future of society and the church

Since our children are the future of both our society and the church, it is important that we are intentional in how we raise them. Children who are raised with strong values and a sense of purpose are more likely to become responsible and compassionate adults who make positive contributions to society. By raising children who are committed to serving others and making the world a better place, we can help them see that they can make a difference in the world.

At the same time, parenting is also crucial for the future of the church. As Christian parents, we have a unique opportunity to pass on our faith to the next generation. This means not only teaching our children about the Bible and the doctrines of the faith, but also modeling a life of love, truth, humility, and service.

By living out our faith in front of our children, we help them develop a deep and lasting relationship with God that will sustain them throughout their lives.

In addition, parents have a responsibility to equip their children to be effective witnesses for Jesus in the world. This requires us to be intentional in teaching them so they can have the skills and knowledge they need to share their faith with others in a winsome and persuasive way. By raising up a generation of young people who are passionate about living the Gospel, is one way we are completing the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

Parenting is one of the most important responsibilities we have as adults. It is a calling from God that requires us to be intentional, patient, and prayerful as we seek to raise our children to become the men and women God created them to be. As we fulfill this calling, we can trust that God will be with us every step of the way, guiding and empowering us to be the parents our children need us to be.