Week 3 - Day 5

I loved the way The Message paraphrased our reading for today.

1 Peter 3: 13-16 (The Message Paraphrase) "If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath."

Did you catch those directives?

- "Don't give the opposition a second thought."

- "Keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master."

- "Be ready to speak up and tell ANYONE who asks why you're living the way you

are."

In a world that can be extremely overwhelming, these words help me to prioritize. They remind me of what's important. Everything else is fleeting.

Let's wrap up Chapter 3 today.

• Pray - Is it not incredible that we can invite the God of the Universe to bless our time? What an extraordinary thing!
• Read 1 Peter 3 - Really take the time to focus on the words today. Remember, today we should be feeling as if these words have made their way into our hearts. We should "own" them.
• Apply - This is the action step. Take a minute to ask God what He is prompting you to do in reply to His truth in 1 Peter 3. Is He guiding you to make a change? In your heart, your mind, your actions, your attitudes, your lifestyle, your relationships?
• Comment - Let us help you stay accountable to Christ. Share your application step with us. (Only if you feel comfortable.)

Enjoy Him today.