7-29-20   THOUGHTS

The introduction to the first letter of Peter:
1Pet 1:1-2     Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:     May grace and peace be yours
                            in the fullest measure.

We’ve talked in these sessions about God’s desire and intention for us.  The Army has a slogan “Be All You Can Be!”  It says a lot.  I believe that’s exactly what God has in mind for each of us!  He wants “Grace and Peace for us IN THE FULLEST MEASURE!
It worries me that in our busyness, our tiredness, our apathy, our diversion to the lusts of the flesh, our worry, our failure to focus...  ( did I get yours?)...  It worries me that we settle for far less than THE FULLEST!   “LUKEWARM” was not God’s intention!
I know for me that I must be “renewed in the spirit of my mind” each day.  (Eph 4:23)
1Cor 9:24-27      Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  26  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  27  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.  

Matt 6:33  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Php 4:8-9    Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  9  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The “shema” of the Jews tells us how to have “THE FULLEST MEASURE!”
Deut 6:5   "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.    

My Prayer:
Oh God of heaven and earth, accept our praise and our honoring of your great name.  Help each of us to invest fully in you.  Defeat our selfishness Oh God.  Teach us of love, and giving and the joy of serving.  Set our minds on being with you eternally Father.  Thank you for making that hope possible in Jesus.  We beg for grace and peace in the fullest measure.
In Jesus name                               Amen