1 PETER 4:7-11

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! (MSG)

TO PONDER

Do you ever get stuck on certain words/terms we hear parroted in worship, voiced in prayers, and yes even read in familiar/favourite scriptures and think what does that mean?

Its called ‘Christianese” or “Church Speak”, it’s a secret, often coded language used in churches to help us sound righteous, holy, mature, full of faith, and yes, often, superior. OK, once again, I am talking only to myself because I realise nobody else has these issues…

Just in case, let me throw out a few of these phrases and words I am talking about; righteous, sanctified, worship, salvation, grace, the John 10:10 life, baptism, resurrection life, just a few Christianese terms and phrases and I’m sure you could probably add some more of your own.

I am bringing this up because I have blatantly thrown out some of this Church Speak this week as I have posted the daily verses. I am thinking specifically about the term “resurrection life” and what it actually is and how to live it.

Today’s verses I feel is a great explanation of what living a resurrection life actually looks like, almost a “template” on how to live it out.

I would encourage you to print out these verses and study them, memories, them, make them part of your life but in case that is too difficult, let me give you the “cheat code” on living the resurrection life; Live purposefully, pray like your life depends on it, love sacrificially, forgive first, practice extreme hospitality, serve wholeheartedly, and be the tangible presence of Christ.  

PRAYER:  Mighty Jesus, I thank you for the overflowing life talked about in John 10:10 the resurrection life that is available to me by your grace, the life given to me so I can be your tangible presence to everyone I encounter daily. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside