The Ultimate Celebrity

"Christ was alive when the world began, yet I myself have seen him with my own eyes and listened to him speak.  I have touched him with my own hands.  He is God's message of life.  The one who is life from God has been shown to us and we guarantee that we have seen him: I am speaking of Christ, who is eternal life."
1 John 1: 1&2

Have you ever met a celebrity and, if so, were you permitted to touch him with your own hands?
Imagine what an awesome, life-changing, original experience it was for the apostle John, to see, hear and touch God, who existed before all else. I was awestruck when President George Bush came to Kirtland, and I only got to see him from a distance if I squinted.  Nonetheless, it was a dazzling, memorable experience for me.  But this! Interacting with the Messiah on a daily basis?
As unbelievable as this is, a close relationship is available to all who believe on His name. I can say I have been touched by the Ultimate Celebrity!

In God's House

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.  Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me...I will sing and make music to the Lord."
Psalm 27: 4-6

Initially, when I think of God's house, I think of being in church and the security I have always experienced there, next to my father's warm side. Nothing from the outside world could reach me there as the pure loveliness surrounded me: sunshine streamed through stained glass, flowers bedecked the altar, strains of music swayed from pensive to glorious tones, believers shook hands, all of one accord.
As I mature in life, I see that this safe dwelling is in my very soul, for that is where God lives!  He protects me from spiritual enemies as his voice guides me internally. I don't have to go anywhere or wait until Sunday to see Him. I just have to breathe, be still and know God.
Thank you, blessed Jesus. Praises adorn you, my dearest King.

Yes, Jesus Loves Me

"Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us."
2 Timothy 2:13

This is a blessed promise on which to rest my tired soul.  At times, I have been very weak, totally depleted and sapped of even being able to pray.  Yes, I have believed Satan's lies and given up on God, but this verse proves that he never disowned me, but considers me part of himself.  Like a broken arm that is still attached and will regain its use someday, I am still a part of the body of Christ, just a bit damaged. 
This is a reminder for me to be yoked with Jesus who will shoulder the burden with me and always keep his promises.

When Satan Attacks

"Be careful - watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy.  He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart.  Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings, too."
1 Peter 5: 8&9

Imagine standing firm when a hungry, roaring lion attacks! How scary! Yet, that is the kind of stalwart trust God deserves and requires because we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength.  This verse doesn't say IF our enemy attacks, it says WHEN. It is a comfort to know Christians around the globe are met with these same challenges.  We must stand firm, together, until the day we will receive the crown of life. Amen.

I'm In Good Hands

"Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."
1 Peter 5:7

What blessed assurance this is! An advertisement I saw would have me believe I am in good hands with Allstate, but as soon as my roof would get blown off, there would be a stipulation in fine print that would leave me in a lurch.  There are so many things that concern me, that seem too large for my incapable hands.  How awesome to know the Creator of all is "always thinking about me and watching everything that concerns me."  I'm in good hands with God; what better insurance is there?

This Jesus Peter Knew

"And now Christ is in heaven, sitting in the place of honor next to God the Father, with all the angels and powers of heaven bowing before him and obeying him."
1 Peter 3:22

Imagine what Peter felt as he penned this verse!  The same Jesus who washed his feet, the very Jesus whom Peter denied three times, is enthroned with all the powers of heaven bowing at his pierced feet.  How awesome for Peter to have known Jesus when he was a person, a man who walked, slept, ate, loved and laughed among them; then he also witnessed the horrors of the crucifixtion.
To love Jesus, one must also be ready to suffer with him, as Peter did.  God, thank you for showing us the foibles of your apostle so I know there's hope for someone like me.  May I love you thoroughly and feed your sheep.

Home Sweet Home

"You have been chosen by God himself, you are priests of the king, you are holy and pure, you are God's very own...You are only visitors here since your real home is in heaven.  I beg you to keep away from the evil pleasures of this world; they are not for you, for they fight against your very souls."
1 Peter 2:9-14

If I am not a resident here, only passing through, and my real home does not boast of the "evil pleasures of this world", then it only makes sense to keep away from those things.  They should feel as foreign to me as worshiping Buddha or eating Russian fare.  This is why they fight against my very soul because they don't belong!  It is akin to eating grass or wearing an astronaut's garb to the grocery store.  They are not for me. I am a priest of the King. I am God's very own.

Lord, with the help of your Spirit who dwells within me, lead me home.