Wednesday Night, March 20, 2013

Today was the first day of Spring. If you pay attention to that sort of thing, it was still a cool day, and the wind still blows right through, even I felt that way. The other day, Saturday March 16th's blog, featured the old farm house covered with snow, with a roof that would need replaced soon. where I grew for most of my childhood.  Dad allowed me to help with the roof, and since I was young, I felt invincible and even climbed onto the roof on the second story (didn't even think about or try to help with the third story roof!) I was a part of the family, and dad was dad. Anyway, that place continues to come to my mind anytime I hear the word "HOME". 

In reading through 1 and 2 Peter for our small group Bible Study preparation time, I was reminded of another use for the word "Home". This word means people, as in relationships and caring and orderliness in our private walk with others. Peter reminds that we are the "Household" of GOD. We prosper when we walk together in humility and grace toward GOD and each other. We are happier if we have rules for relationships so we can know how we are doing, in regard to each other. 

I have observed that those who walk together with each other in LOVE, will also walk closer to GOD. These household rules differ from one family to another. 1 Peter 3 spends a few words for wives, and for husbands, before turning to a few specific "rules" to live by if we wish to inherit a blessing. I love that Peter quotes from Psalms 34: 12-16, his songbook from his youth as a Jewish child. If you look closely at Peter's quote, you will find that "all of you, (not just husbands and wives) should do certain things, have certain actions describe us as a people. 

These actions include harmony or likemindedness. We should add to that the ability to be sympathetic with one another. Three traits are very similar, to love one another, to be compassionate, and to be humble minded.  Our household rules will prevent us from returning evil for evil. Following all of these, Peter says that we would THEN be ready to inherit a blessing. 

How are you doing? How is your household? What household rules do you need to add or modify so you can "inherit a blessing?" One insight from the "household rules of 1 Peter 3:15,  is his reminder always be ready to give an answer, when asked, for the reason you still hope! Hope is such a fleeting gift. In our household, we will hope, we will live with rules that help us to see CHRIST better, and we will do all of this with gentleness, respect and a good conscience, just as Peter asked! GOD Bless you tonight, my dear friends and saints! 

big marv