Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Peter, as Jesus frequently did, paints a picture that those of his time would clearly understand - a cornerstone. Everyone knew that for a building to be structurally sound, its foundation had to be on something solid and secure. Not uneven, shifting under the weight, or subject to cracking. A stone that you could anchor your structure to knowing that it would provide reliable long-standing support. Jesus was that Cornerstone. Isaiah calls Him “a choice stone” and “the precious stone”. David prophesied that this would be the stone “that the builders rejected”. What could be truer? A life built on this Cornerstone is significantly different than those that are not. It only takes about 2 minutes to notice this difference. Through my life of work in the medical field, I, unfortunately, have witnessed hundreds of people passing from this life to the next. I can attest, with absolute certainty, to the difference one can immediately recognize in those with a life built on this Cornerstone.  

In verse 9, Peter compares our old self (darkness) and our new life (marvelous light). Not just light, but marvelous light. Webster defines marvelous as causing wonder, astonishing, and notably superior. Allow me please to add my moment of clarity here. I was reading a book one time on spiritual warfare. It was a pretty heavy book that described the spiritual warfare evangelists experienced in South American countries that are steeped in demonic activity. I remember being very bothered by this and found myself very restless one night. God showed me that although dark and light are opposites, they are not equal opposites. The smallest light illuminates the dark. If you go to the Superdome, cut all the lights out to make it completely dark, and light a candle on the 50-yard line, you will clearly see it. Now, cut all the lights on, go to the 50-yard line, and open a shoe box filled with darkness. What happens? NOTHING!! Marvelous light. Able to overcome the darkness. Every time. Every situation.  

Peter then encourages us to let that light shine in our everyday life. Live in a manner that those around you think you must be up to something - a manner that they can’t figure out but makes them want some of it. Your boss doesn’t bother you because you really aren’t working for him. The government doesn’t drive you crazy because they are only in office because your God allows. Live like your Cornerstone is unshakeable. Live that life. 

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Take a quick look today at your foundation. Do you trust that cornerstone?
• Spend some time today reflecting on dark and light. Enjoy the difference. 

Family Devo: 1 Peter 2

By: Katie Curtis

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.   

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset  

Head & Heart

Babies can live exclusively off of milk for the first 6 months of their lives. Milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates to support infant growth. There are even antibodies in milk to protect against infection. When I had my first baby, I was amazed at the depth of love I felt for this little person and in awe of how perfectly my body was designed to support such a precious little life. I was also EXHAUSTED because I did not realize how often infants need to eat - they truly crave milk all day and all night.

In chapter 2 of 1 Peter, Peter says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Just as a newborn baby must have milk to grow and thrive, we as believers need God’s Word in order to grow to maturity in our faith. In the Bible, God reveals His character, invites us into a personal relationship with Him, provides us with the wisdom and instruction that we need to live this life, and encourages us through His promises. There is truly no substitute for the Word of God in the life of a believer.

Hands

Unfortunately, there are many obstacles to spending daily time in God’s Word. The main ones I face are time and discipline. A wise friend once told me to have a “time and place” set aside to read my Bible daily. This daily discipline helps to form a habit that can pay huge dividends in your life and the lives of those around you. Another challenge to daily Bible study can be understanding what you’re reading. We hope these daily devotionals help you as you seek to comprehend and apply what you’re reading. A method that helps me dig a little deeper into God’s word is the SOAP method:

• SCRIPTURE: Read a verse or passage of Scripture and write down a verse that stands out to you.
• OBSERVATION: Write down interesting facts or points you see in this Scripture.
• APPLICATION: Ask yourself, “How does this apply to my life?”
• PRAYER: Ask God to help you live out what you are learning.

What are the main obstacles you face when trying to make reading the Bible a priority?

What benefits do you notice when you regularly spend time in God’s Word? I’m so glad you’ve taken the time to dive into God’s Word today!

Prayer: Dear God, thank You so much for Your Word. Please help me to crave reading Your Word like a newborn baby craves milk so that I can grow strong in my relationship with You. I love You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.