December 6

1 Peter 1

Because of our great hope for the future, we should be steadfast in the face of present trials.

INSIGHT

One mark of maturity is the ability to put off present gratification for the sake of a future reward. A child of six is not willing to give up buying a piece of candy to save that money for college tuition; yet an older child might be willing to forego present purchases for the sake of future education. Though in the Christian life the stakes are much higher, the principle is the same. Peter urges us to consider our future inheritance and endure present trials in expectation of our eternal reward.

PRAYER

We can praise the Lord because He has promised to see us through the trials of life:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord.
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth (Psalm 105:1-5).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
“I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”
(2 Samuel 24:10)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• The Lord’s leading in your life
• Opportunities for evangelism
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).