Reflections from October 6, 2010

Today we begin the first book of Peter. Peter was the first apostle picked by Jesus, and many believe he had a special place in the heart of Jesus. Peter was selected by Jesus as "the rock on whom I will build My church" and is regarded as the first Pope in the early church and all the Popes since then are considered as successors to Peter's chair.

Today we read Peter's words of encouragement in 1 Peter 1:3-5, "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, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

There's a lot here, and it applies directly to us today. Just like the early Christians that suffered a lot of persecution and needed hope, we need hope today to help us through our trials and tribulations of everyday life. We're blessed in the US in that we don't suffer persecution; death, jailing, beating, etc. like our early brothers did, but we do have trials that Satan is sure to bring our way, hoping to crush our faith in God. The hope we have is built on the foundation of Christ's resurrection and that He still lives today. We have the same hope and we have the knowledge that our inheritance waits for us; in fact, it doesn't fade. Monetary inheritance can change value, even drop if it's placed in the wrong account; but our inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled and does not fade. What's even better is it has our name on it! My mom would write names of her sons and grandchildren on the bottom of knickknacks in her home identifying who would get that possession after her passing. Today, I have the items she reserved for me, because she placed my name on that item. When I would visit her, I could see my name was there and that was pleasant because those items invoke fond memories for me. Jesus promises us that He has our place in heaven, our inheritance ready for us, and our name is on it today. That brings joy to us; but the reason Jesus keeps this for us is because of our faith for salvation. We have faith in Jesus and what He's done for us and will do for us because we have placed our faith in Him and have chosen to let Jesus be our Lord and Savior.

How about you? Is your inheritance assured? If not, simply pray this prayer right now; "Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that without you I am lost. Today, I ask that you enter into my life as my personal Lord and Savior, forgoing all other gods that I may have in my life and give you all my allegiance and love. It's in you I place my salvation and from you I ask your forgiveness of all my sins. I desire your cleansing that only comes from the blood that you shed on my behalf. I love you Jesus and desire you to reign over me. For it's in Your name I pray, Amen.

That prayer will ensure your place in Heaven is reserved with an inheritance that has your name written on the bottom.

Blessings to all