Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the deadly rampage at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Facing death, Rachel, a known follower of Christ, was asked by the killers if she believed in God. When she answered yes, they shot her.

What would give a Christian the courage, especially a teenager like Rachel, to die for their faith? You may wonder, like me, if you would have the strength to be so bold in the face of death. Or perhaps you’re simply asking why would God allow his precious child to face this kind of persecution? I don’t pretend to know the answer, but I do know that evil is real, and when we join with God, we are taking sides against evil in a real struggle over life and death. The scripture says to not be surprised when we encounter intense trials. Jesus suffered and died, and when we suffer for being a Christian, whether physical or otherwise, we become a partner with Him in his sufferings.

Our nature is to avoid suffering and persecution, and we would never go looking for it. However, when we trust our lives completely to God, when we step out from our comfort zone and take a risk for God, we will encounter persecution. It is inevitable, and we should be prepared and not run when it happens. Peter even said to “be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you”. Rachel Scott was so sold out for Christ, so completely given over to his plans for her life that she was prepared to do whatever God called to do. You and I can’t muster up the courage to face a martyrs death, or extreme persecution, we don’t have it in us. However, we can give ourselves completely to God and as a result receive the confidence from God’s Spirit to put ourselves on the front lines. Then we will realize the deep peace that comes from the knowledge that God is with us no matter what happens.

Peter had tried to convince Jesus to avoid taking a risk and run from suffering. (Matthew 16:23-26). Jesus uttered the well known words, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Jesus then used this opportunity to teach all the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Christ calls all Christians to trust our lives, our dreams, our agenda, our relationships, our possessions, our safety, our families, completely to him, even if it means risk and suffering for His sake.

Do we trust Him enough to step out? Do we trust Him enough to become partners in His suffering? Not many Christians are called to die for their faith, but all Christians are called to die daily to their flesh and desires. If we do that, if we are willing to trust him completely with our life, God will use us in ways we can’t possibly imagine. Rachel Scott’s life became a seed that grew and multiplied many times over for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the glory of God. Trusting Christ for salvation is one thing, but trusting Him completely with our lives is quite another.  Download PDF

Scripture Reflections by David Soper, © 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

To do the will of God is simply to do what God wants. A Christian, anxious to do the will of God (v2), is not consumed with selfish desires, but eagerly lives for the desires of God. Jesus said, “I always do what pleases God.” (John 8:29) He taught his disciples to pray, “May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). To do the will of God is the most basic desire of a devoted follower of Christ.

But what is it that God wants from us? What is His will for me? I often hear Christians say that they want to know God’s will for their life. This is an important question to ask, however, while seeking specific guidance for the future, we must not ignore the will of God for our life right now! In the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 14:1-3), we read the story of leaders of Israel who visited the prophet to ask for guidance from God. The Lord told Ezekiel that these leaders had set up idols in their hearts and embraced things that make them fall into sin, and therefore, He would not answer their questions! The same is true today. God wants you to be obedient with what you already know before He shows you the next step. The will of God is not a mysterious, elusive thing, the answer you’re looking for is right here.

God’s will for us is to worship Him today (v3). God is looking for worshipers, who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23), people who celebrate the fact that He is God and they are not. God is a jealous God who will not tolerate affection for any other gods. (Ex. 20:5, Dt. 5:9) Idolatry, in any form, is a serious offense against the one, true God. Are you a worshiper of God, and God alone?

God’s will for us is to pray today (v7). Earnest and disciplined prayer is the catalyst for an intimate relationship with God. Perhaps Peter was thinking about the night before the crucifixion in Gethsemane when Jesus found him sleeping. Remember Jesus’ stinging words to Peter, “Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Mt 26:40-41). Are you diligent in prayer?

God’s will for us is to love each other today (v8-9). Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Godly love for Christian brothers and sisters can transcend personality, preferences, and personal interests. We are the family of God, and like a loving Father, His will is for us to love each other. Do you love your Christian family like your own family?

God’s will for us is to serve today (v10-11). The purpose of the church is to help equip believers to serve. Serving is God’s will, no matter where we live or what we’re doing. When you’re tired and busy, serve with all the strength and energy that God supplies. He gave you gifts to serve the church. Are you serving?

If you desire to do the will of God, then start with what you know - worship, prayer, love, and service. This is God’s will for you today. His call to you will become clear, and the questions you have about the future will seem much less urgent as you live today with the peace and confidence of knowing you are doing Gods will.

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Reflection by David Soper, © 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

We believe in Jesus Christ because he is the way, the truth and the life; not because he promises a blessing-filled, pain free existence on earth - because he doesn’t. That’s called heaven, and we’re not there yet. The Christian life is not the easy way, it’s simply the way. All who profess Christ as Lord and are eager to serve, will encounter difficulties, misunderstandings, even persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). This is the reality of life in a world hostile to Jesus. In today’s scripture, Peter teaches us how to deal with it, the ‘if’ in life.

If we suffer for doing right (v14)
If we suffer for doing wrong, we probably deserve it, but if we suffer for doing right, we feel betrayed and hurt. Thankfully, God knows how we feel and He knows the truth of what happened. We don’t need to make it right, it’s in His hands, and He will handle it. He simply calls us to trust Him and patiently endure. Jesus even said to be happy when we are persecuted, because our reward is in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12). I don’t think He means jump up and down happy, but quietly happy, deep in our soul, with the knowledge that God is in control. We must ask ourselves - is our highest priority to seek comfort and balance in this life, or is it to love God and love people, no matter the cost?

If we’re asked to explain our faith (v15)
If someone asks why you’re a Christian, whether friendly or not, they have opened the door. Are you ready for the opportunity? Not, have you memorized the Romans Road, (although you should), but are you ready to share your story in a clear, concise, gentle, and respectful way. Your audience can be hostile, but not you. Trust God to do the work of changing attitudes, and with humility and transparency, just share your story. God wants you to be a witness for Him, not a defense attorney. He doesn’t need us to argue for Him. You have a story to tell, are you ready to tell it?

If we’re falsely accused (v16)
Our ultimate defense is a life well lived. The integrity of our life may quiet their accusations, but if not, we can have the peace and confidence that comes from belonging to Christ and living before God and man with a clear conscience. “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! (v17)”

God takes no pleasure in our suffering, however, He may or may not stop it from happening. It’s His choice, and God always takes the long view of things. He knows our suffering will either build or reveal character, even exposing the authenticity of our faith (Matthew 13:21). When we suffer persecution, Christ calls us to respond with gentleness and faith in God. How will you respond? This combination of spirit filled boldness and genuine humility cannot be manufactured, it only comes from a life changed by God. That is the way Christ lived, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can too.  -DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

Unity is a powerful force, especially in ministry. Jesus prayed for His disciples, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (John 17:22-24)

Unity is one of those elusive qualities that empower teams and organizations to function with maximum effectiveness. One of the key reasons Palm Valley Church is able to grow and adapt so quickly, is the tremendous unity that exists in the congregation, staff, and board.

This is no accident. Unity in the church is not some mystical ecumenical concept, it is the result of Christian people coming together, willing to humble themselves, and put God’s work ahead of their own agendas. Unity is God’s desire for His church. In our scripture today, Peter calls all believers to be of one mind. He does not give a set of rules to follow, but presents a profile of qualities which promote unity, and distinguish the follower of Christ. This is the kind of virtuous Christian that God calls us to be.

The church is able to function as a dynamic, influential community when individuals, who are born again and submitted to the Holy Spirit, set aside selfish interests and proactively practice love, truth, sympathy, compassion, and humility toward each other. Christians of such character will naturally promote unity and become a catalyst for real progress in the church and the cause of Christ.

As we all know, Christian unity will come under fire. If we pick at each other, nothing of eternal value gets done. Pride, condescension, lack of love, and hard hearts among God’s people can stifle and even paralyze the work of any local church. Much is at stake, so each of us must work for peace and strive to protect our Christian unity. This unity is not for a denomination, or a political strategy, or petty controversial issues, but for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the community of believers.

Unity begins with you! Will you do your part and pray for others to do theirs? If you are tempted to gossip, spread rumors, unnecessarily criticize a ministry or cause dissension, take a deep breath, and ask God to give you a humble mind and real clarity. God may very well use the opportunity to work in your own heart. Even if you are insulted or criticized by others, don’t retaliate, pay people back with a blessing and God will bless you.

God is going to build his church and we can either build it with him, or watch others build it while we complain and comment from the sidelines. Will you choose to work for unity or for your agenda? God has called us to unity and no personal agenda is greater than that.
-DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

Christian women are looking and longing for husbands that are spiritual leaders. Authentic, godly men, submitted to the authority of Christ who know how to gently lead and inspire. Men that will take responsibility to lead, provide for, and protect her in appropriate ways. Not men who demand to be served, but men who have the strength to serve and sacrifice for her.

God calls husbands to be the spiritual leaders in the home (Ephesians 5:21-31), this is a sacred responsibility. However, being the spiritual leader does not mean that we must initiate and decide everything. God also calls husbands to be in partnership with their wife. 1 Peter 3:7 says, “she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life”. Husbands and wives together have a unique and mutual responsibility to foster the spiritual life within their home.

In the marriage partnership, a husband and wife work together to achieve a common purpose, each having different, but complementary roles. The Bible teaches that God created men and women equal in dignity and personhood but different and complimentary in function. In the home, men are to lovingly and sacrificially lead their family.

The key to a successful Christian marriage is much more than physical chemistry. It is a deep love for God, deep love for each other, and a mutual commitment to the unity of the marriage partnership. This is God’s design for marriage and family. 1 Peter 3:7 gives us men some practical advice on how to demonstrate our commitment to the unity of the marriage.

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives”. To honor your wife is be faithful to her, to never humiliate her, to respect her, to make her a priority, to guard her integrity, to ask her what she needs, to pray with her, to value her differences, to spend time together, and to make goals together. Will you honor your wife? Will you show her love in tangible ways?

“Treat your wife with understanding as you live together”. It doesn’t say that you have to understand her, it says, you must treat her as if you understand her. To treat her with understanding means that we take time to listen, we pay close attention to her words. We become a student of her dreams, desires, needs, strengths and weaknesses. We also take time to learn from others experiences in marriage, by reading books, or attending marriage conferences together, something my wife and I have tried to do regularly. Do you treat your wife with understanding?

“Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” God’s design for marriage is not something to be taken lightly. He created us, His plan is best for us, and He expects us to follow it. He wants us to experience the deep joy and satisfaction of a marriage committed to unity, honor and understanding.

- DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

Young or old, we all expect to be treated fairly, and when we’re not, we’re not very happy. It seems to be part of our DNA. The fact that we are wired this way is not surprising. Fairness is a biblical principle and an attribute of God (Deut. 32:4). God rules and judges with fairness, and has set the standard for fairness (Pr. 16:11). The Bible instructs us to be fair in all our dealings, judgments and decisions (e.g. Lev. 19:15). Fairness is a good thing, and we should treat people fairly.

But, as they say, life is not fair. In the workplace, where we expect to be treated fairly by management and fellow employees, the reality is often favoritism and partiality. Most countries have laws to protect workers from extreme forms of unfair treatment, such as harassment or discrimination. Fortunately the majority of us have not suffered this way, but what about the less serious types of unfair treatment, the things we experience on a regular basis? The things, while small in the big picture, stir up strong emotions. What should we do then?

Complaining, revenge, whining, and quitting are popular responses. For those who are Christians, God calls us to an unpopular response - patient endurance. In 1 Peter 2:18-19, slaves are instructed to follow the example of Christ and patiently endure unfair treatment, specifically from their employers. You are not a slave (I hope), but the message still applies.

Patient endurance is the ability to let go of the need to immediately right the wrong against us. Patient endurance is not apathetic indifference or weakness, but is the strongest, most effective response you could have. Patient endurance is the ability to show compassion and acceptance toward those treating you unfairly. Patient endurance also gives us time to sort out the truth and examine our own behavior. Perhaps we are the antagonist, or overly sensitive, and merely perceive an injustice. Patient endurance sees the big picture, and trusts our future to a loving God.

We follow the example of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the model of patient endurance. (1 Peter 2:21-25). When treated unfairly, he did not take revenge. He left His case in the hands of God, the Guardian of our souls. Will you leave your case to God? Will you practice patient endurance? It’s not a natural response, and we need God’s help. Pray, “God, help me see the big picture, forgive the injustice, and respond like Jesus would”.

The end result is personal growth and peace of mind. You will grow in humility and love, and so will others. Your manager and co-workers are dealing with their own struggles and setbacks. Your patient endurance will demonstrate to them the genuineness of your faith and the power of God. Your response may be the very thing that leads them to Christ. We will be treated unfairly, you can count on that, but God is pleased when we patiently endure.

-DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

One of the most difficult challenges for Christians in the modern era is the politicizing of biblical topics related to morality. This is especially true of volatile social issues such as abortion and homosexuality, which stir deep emotions in many people, and have become the front lines of a distracting and undesirable cultural war. In the public forum, Christians are defined by these issues, and often characterized as hateful, arrogant people.

Several so-called Christians made hateful comments and threats of violence in a blog on the removal of the Ten Commandments from public places. One person responded, “The Christian faith is rooted in violence and intolerance… ask any true Christian and they will tell you they are not of this earth so why should they care about it or anyone on it. Man, I feel sorry for the Christians.” This characterization of Christians is not uncommon, and unfortunately, not completely undeserved. Some well-meaning Christians have fought so hard for biblical principles in government and society, that the gospel of Jesus Christ has taken a back seat to the relentless pursuit of moral issues. The tragic result has been the public association of political agendas with evangelical Christianity, which has unnecessarily fueled even more distrust and bad feelings toward Christians.

What should we do? Stop caring about issues important to us? The answer is found here in 1 Peter 2. We are instructed to live properly among our neighbors, demonstrate honorable behavior, and respect everyone. We are to cultivate a culture of respect. We want to be respected, we want to be taken seriously, we want to point people to God - therefore we must show respect to others. When we show respect, we gain credibility and permission to have a voice in society and be a catalyst for change. It is, in fact, what God calls us to do.

Respectful thinking and respectful behavior demonstrate Christian love and create a bridge to others, even those we disagree with. Misplaced activism and careless rhetoric do nothing but damage the cause of Christ. Respectful behavior requires spiritual maturity, a clear understanding of the Bible, and the help of the Holy Spirit. Francis Schaeffer, a Christian theologian, said that we must to come to a place where “true Christians can exhibit in practice a fidelity to the holiness of God and yet simultaneously exhibit in practice a fidelity to the love of God before a watching world”.

Another well know Francis, St Francis of Assisi, said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” This is a powerful reminder of the importance of a life well lived. Your life is a witness, how will you live it? Will people give honor to God because of the quality of our lives, or will they dishonor God because we are obsessed with political agendas?

At some level, negative attitudes toward Christians will always exist, we are involved in spiritual warfare. However, spiritual warfare should not become cultural warfare. If we cultivate a culture of respect,“they will see your honorable behavior and give honor to God”.

- DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

First thing every morning I drink a small glass of milk for a protein shot to the brain. I crave this little boost, because it improves my morning productivity. The pure spiritual milk in 1 Peter 2:2 is the word of God and is the key to our spiritual productivity and growth.

The fullness of salvation is not something you attain the moment you are born again. The fullness of salvation is a state we have yet to achieve, and the whole of this Christian life can be spent in growing toward that state. When we taste the grace and goodness of the Lord, our desire to grow becomes stronger and we develop a continuous appetite for spiritual food. Peter describes this growth in three different ways.

1. Growing through internal transformation (v 1-3)

We must get the word of God into our heart by any means possible. First of all, through reading the Bible and asking God to help us apply it to our lives. This means intentionally spending time with God and His Word. This means having the discipline to study, and to have a plan, and appointment with God. The more we crave the Word of God, the more we will use every means possible to feed our growth. We are already bombarded with secular media, so why not enjoy Christian music, TV, movies, books and radio when possible. How are you taking time every day to feed on God’s word? Do you crave it?

2. Growing through serving in the church (v 4-8)

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church, and we are the bricks that are being built into the church. The church is not a building. The church is made of people, people who serve as God’s priests, doing the work of the church. Romans 12:5, “We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” Serving in the church is not an option for a Christian who wants to grow. How are you growing through serving?

3. Growing into the community of believers (v 9-10)

We are a chosen people, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. We are the people of God. We were called out of darkness, into the light, so that as a community, we can show others the goodness of God, the limitless, merciful, ever present, goodness of God. There are certain challenges which God has given us that can only be accomplished by the community of believers working together. How are you growing to be an active, fully participating, member of a community of believers?

The Christian life is not a holding pattern for people who are born again. We are called to grow, to cry out for nourishment so that we will grow into the fullness of salvation.

-DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

When we are born again, we are called to a new life (v23), a life characterized by personal holiness, reverence for God, and love for each other. God has redeemed us with the precious lifeblood of Jesus Christ, the sinless, spotless, Lamb of God. We now belong to him and we have received a sacred calling to this new life, a life which demonstrates that we are actually born again.

1. We are called to be holy (v15). It’s easy to think of God as holy, but what does it mean for us to be holy? How is it even possible? To be holy, is to be set apart for God’s purpose. To be set apart is to walk with God in sober-minded obedience. To be set apart is to distance ourselves from the profane, and live a life of purity and moral integrity. To be set apart is to love the things that God loves and hate the things He hates. Fortunately for us, personal holiness is not the same as sinless perfection. Holiness is an overall measure of our spiritual condition and usefulness for God’s purposes. How am I making progress in personal holiness? What needs to change in my life – either to start doing or stop doing?

2. We are called to live in reverent fear of God (v17). The Bible says, the fear of the LORD is the foundation of all wisdom and righteousness (Pr 9:10). God is a loving Father, but He is also an impartial judge. Salvation is a gift, undeserved and unearned, but our works will be judged by Him, with no favoritism. To fear God is to maintain a proper perspective. Jesus said, “don’t fear men, who can kill the body, but fear God who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:26-31). Fear of God is the remedy for those who suffer from the fear of man. I’ve learned the hard way that fear of man can cripple our effectiveness as a Christian. You cannot be a man of God and be controlled by what people think of you. Do I fear God or man?

3. We are called to love each other (v22). Not superficial, group hug love, (“I love you man”) but real love, love that is sincere and results in action. Love is the mark of a true disciple, not bumper stickers or jewelry. Jesus himself said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Love is the purest expression of Christian community, but it is not easy. It’s a challenge to love each other sincerely, especially when it involves tough love. Christian love, both given and received, is the way we share the love that God has given us. How and who is God challenging me to love more?

The spiritual transformation to holiness, reverence and love is a life long process that begins when we are born again. In my life, each breakthrough is often followed by the realization of more attitudes and behaviors that need to change. Thank God, He is patient with us, and with His help we must stay committed to the process. God cares about all your needs, but He is most concerned about who you are, and who you are becoming.

-DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.

God has given us the privilege of being born again. This is something I needed to be reminded of. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time may not often think about the amazing privilege we have to be followers of Christ. The longer we walk with Christ, the less we may appreciate the grace which delivered us from our former lives. As we live the Christian life, we may unknowingly take our salvation for granted, sometimes even treating God’s mercy with casual indifference.

Occasionally I meet wealthy or powerful people, and it’s refreshing to meet a person of privilege who understands what they have and uses their privilege with wisdom. We have a privilege far more valuable than money or title, we have a priceless inheritance, both in this life and in heaven, reserved for us, kept completely safe until the day we see it with our own eyes. Do we appreciate what we have? Do we live with ‘wonderful expectation’? Or, do we live from day to day with little sense of wonder and few expectations?

To be born again is more valuable than anything we know, much more valuable than material possessions. To be born again is to experience God’s mercy. To be born again is to know God’s favor. To be born again is to live with a secure hope. To be born again is to feel deep joy. To be born again is to grow strong through trials. To be born again is to love God and love others. To be born again is a privilege.

Our salvation is not something to take lightly. Each of us who are born again, know deep down that we have done nothing to earn the privilege of salvation. We have simply received God’s mercy as a gift. As Peter wrote in this letter, “The Father has chosen you, the Spirit has made you holy, and the blood of Jesus has cleansed you”.

Do we count our faith as a privilege, or do we take the salvation of our souls for granted? Do we consider it an honor to be born again or are we casual with God’s love and forgiveness? The scripture says, “the angels are eagerly watching”. What do they see in us?

So, how should we respond? Some will respond with the desire to serve God with more determination, to work harder for God than ever before. This is a natural response and often a way to express our gratitude, but for me, it’s not about doing more stuff. This is a matter of the heart.

If we truly understand the privilege of salvation it will change our heart. At the very core of everything we say and do will be an attitude of humility, thankfulness and deep trust in God. This is the essence of faith, faith that is strong and pure, faith that pleases God!

-DJS

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© 2008 Inspired by the Word of God. All rights reserved.