Peter's Pen 1st Peter 1:13-16 A

1Pe 1:13-16  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (14)  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  (15)  but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  (16)  since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

“THEREFORE” – what’s it there for?

Peter goes on telling us that because of what he has just written there is something he admonishes us to do.

“Prepare your minds for action!”  “On your mark, get ready ……..”

OK – what’s that mean?  How about this:

Php 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

That’s a good platform to launch from.  We prepare our minds by reading the Word, by listening to solid sermons, by going to Bible studies, by sharing with other believers and, of course, by reading good books and commentaries.

BUT – I have to warn you – or encourage you – one size does not fit all.  Or, we don’t all prepare our minds the same way.  There is no formula or recipe for this.  You are you – utterly unique.  How you can best use the resources and means is something you need discover.  Try different things (above) and see what really works for you.  It may be Mp3s, DVD’s, books – whatever.  The one thing we all should have in common is reading the Word.  Remember, all the Mp3s, DVDs and books are about the Word – they’re not the Word.  So when you use one of these methods – have your Bible out and a pad and pencil.  

That’s a good way to start.

Now – prayer is important.  Jesus didn’t say, “If you pray,” he said, “when you pray.”  So, we can assume prayer is a normal part of our life in Him.  BUT – again, one size does not fit all.

Some folks pray early in the morning, some late at night, some a couple of times a day others grab it when they can.  But, we need to be praying. 

Look – it really isn’t hard.  Just take the model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.  Yes, it’s just a model but praying the model can help you grow in developing your own prayers.  

Remember:

Heb 4:16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Note the, “with confidence”!!!!!  Certainly, we approach respectfully and humbly but we don’t need to cower and snivel – we are welcome there – invited there.