DONNIE DAILY GEMS FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20:
WORD OF WISDOM
We tell people how kind, forgiving & understanding God is. Are we the living
proof?
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DAILY DEVOTION
God Keeps His Promises
"Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of
the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his
Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the
law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons,
God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba,
Father."
Galatians 4:3-6
Politicians are not always known for keeping the promises they make, but I
came across an old news story about one who did. When George Jelinek was
running for the Kansas state legislature back in the 1960s, he printed up
flyers that read, "I will work for you." According to the article Jelinek
won his election and then had an unexpected request from a constituent. "One
farmer," Jelinek said, "told me he voted for me and now he needed some help
putting up some alfalfa in the barn. And I did it. But I'm going to have to
watch what I say!"
Man may break promises, but God is always faithful. He does not work on our
timetable, but everything He says will be done. Thousands of years passed
between the time God told Adam and Eve about the coming Messiah who would
defeat Satan and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But it happened just as
God said. In fact there are a large number of Old Testament references to
the coming of Jesus-the location, timing, and circumstances are given in
great detail-and every one of those prophecies were fulfilled.
The Christmas story is not just a baby in a manger, shepherds, angels, and
wise men. It is a vivid reminder that everything God says happens just as He
promises. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto
the glory of God by us" (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Christmas is a reminder that we can fully rely on everything that God has
promised in His Word.
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DAILY BIBLE READING
1 Peter 1-5New King James Version (NKJV)
Greeting to the Elect Pilgrims
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and
Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in
sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
A Heavenly Inheritance
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to
His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance
incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven
for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be,
you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your
faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested
by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus
Christ, 8 whom having not seen[a] you love. Though now you do not see Him,
yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9
receiving the end of your faith-the salvation of your souls.
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who
prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what
manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He
testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would
follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us[b]
they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through
those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from
heaven-things which angels desire to look into.
Living Before God Our Father
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope
fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus
Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former
lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also
be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am
holy."[c]
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to
each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in
fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like
silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your
fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the
foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21
who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him
glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
The Enduring Word
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit[d] in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a
pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,[e]
24 because
"All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man[f] as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25
But the word of the Lord endures forever."[g]
Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all
evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that
you may grow thereby,[h] 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is
gracious.
The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by
God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a
spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in
the Scripture,
"Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."[i]
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are
disobedient,[j]
"The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,"[k]
8 and
"A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense."[l]
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were
appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His
own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you
out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but
are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained
mercy.
Living Before the World
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts
which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the
Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your
good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submission to Government
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's
sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who
are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those
who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put
to silence the ignorance of foolish men- 16 as free, yet not using liberty
as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love
the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Submission to Masters
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the
good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if
because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take
it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently,
this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because
Christ also suffered for us,[m] leaving us[n] an example, that you should
follow His steps:
22
"Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; [o]
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He
did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died
to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed. 25
For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd
and Overseer[p] of your souls.
Submission to Husbands
3 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do
not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their
wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do
not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold,
or putting on fine apparel- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the
heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times,
the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive
to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose
daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
A Word to Husbands
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to
the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace
of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Called to Blessing
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another;
love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;[q] 9 not returning evil
for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing
that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For
"He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."[r]
Suffering for Right and Wrong
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.
"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."[s] 15 But
sanctify the Lord God[t] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a
defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with
meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you
as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than
for doing evil.
Christ's Suffering and Ours
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He
might bring us[u] to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by
the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering
waited[v] in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a
few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an
antitype which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the
flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the
right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made
subject to Him.
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us[w] in the flesh, arm yourselves
also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased
from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh
for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough
of our past lifetime[x] in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in
lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable
idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run
with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They
will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that
they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to
God in the spirit.
Serving for God's Glory
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in
your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for
"love will cover a multitude of sins."[y] 9 Be hospitable to one another
without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone
speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do
it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion
forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for God's Glory
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to
the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is
revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached
for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God
rests upon you.[z] On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is
glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone
suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in
this matter.[aa]
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if
it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the
gospel of God? 18 Now
"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"[ab]
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their
souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Shepherd the Flock
5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving
as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,[ac] not for dishonest gain
but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Submit to God, Resist the Devil
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of
you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
"God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."[ad]
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may
exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for
you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[ae] your adversary the devil walks about
like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in
the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your
brotherhood in the world. 10 But may[af] the God of all grace, who called
us[ag] to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the
glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Farewell and Peace
12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to
you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in
which you stand.
13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does
Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Footnotes:
a.1 Peter 1:8 M-Text reads known.
b.1 Peter 1:12 NU-Text and M-Text read you.
c.1 Peter 1:16 Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7
d.1 Peter 1:22 NU-Text omits through the Spirit.
e.1 Peter 1:23 NU-Text omits forever.
f.1 Peter 1:24 NU-Text reads all its glory.
g.1 Peter 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8
h.1 Peter 2:2 NU-Text adds up to salvation.
i.1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
j.1 Peter 2:7 NU-Text reads to those who disbelieve.
k.1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
l.1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
m.1 Peter 2:21 NU-Text reads you.
n.1 Peter 2:21 NU-Text and M-Text read you.
o.1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
p.1 Peter 2:25 Greek Episkopos
q.1 Peter 3:8 NU-Text reads humble.
r.1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
s.1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
t.1 Peter 3:15 NU-Text reads Christ as Lord.
u.1 Peter 3:18 NU-Text and M-Text read you.
v.1 Peter 3:20 NU-Text and M-Text read when the longsuffering of God waited
patiently.
w.1 Peter 4:1 NU-Text omits for us.
x.1 Peter 4:3 NU-Text reads time.
y.1 Peter 4:8 Proverbs 10:12
z.1 Peter 4:14 NU-Text omits the rest of this verse.
aa.1 Peter 4:16 NU-Text reads name.
ab.1 Peter 4:18 Proverbs 11:31
ac.1 Peter 5:2 NU-Text adds according to God.
ad.1 Peter 5:5 Proverbs 3:34
ae.1 Peter 5:8 NU-Text and M-Text omit because.
af.1 Peter 5:10 NU-Text reads But the God of all grace . . . will perfect,
establish, strengthen, and settle you.
ag.1 Peter 5:10 NU-Text and M-Text read you.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James VersionR. Copyright C 1982 by Thomas
Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
