Wed., 5/15/13 Devotion (1 Pet. 3:14b-15a)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 Peter 3:14b & 15a, where we read these words:

" 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts . . . "

Threats and trouble are an important part of every sincere Christian churchman's life. The immediate answer to them, is the sanctification of the Lord God in our hearts. This may seem a bit odd. Instead of re-prisal, or fear--the proper response is a renewal of our faith.

With this attitude and approach, the true believer is invincible. After all, her or she has God fighting for him or her.  With this kind of Ally, who needs to be much concerned about foes?

[Puritan quote of the day: "We [ministers] must be serious, earnest, and zealous in every part of our work. Our work requires greater skill, and especially greater life and zeal than any of us bring to it." --Richard Baxter, in "The Reformed Pastor"]