Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

I have come to fully believe that the most important characteristics about me is what I believe about myself and what I believe about God.

This week we studied (among other things) how our posture toward God should be: humble. God’s Word has much to say about who we really are without God, and how we should consider ourselves. Yet humility is a hard thing to gauge and a hard thing to “achieve”.

In a world where we are constantly told—even in Christian circles—that we are to hold our head up high, strengthen ourself and be the best person, Christian, mom, and wife we can be, humility can be a challenge.

Thankfully, Peter gives us some components to humility in this week’s passage.

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Look for His mighty hand.

Try to imagine your life without the grace of God. You may have experienced the depths of great sin before you came to know the Lord; addiction, betrayal, or other deep, dark valleys. If you have experienced His rescue and redemption in your life in powerful ways, a humble view of who you really are may come easy for you.

Yet, there are many of us (of whom I am one) who have a pretty “clean” past. No arrests to tell of, or addictions to kick. We’ve been faithful and fruitful. The good little girls. 

A posture of humility is a difficult place to find if you never see what you’ve been saved from. God’s restraining grace is often over-looked. 

Had I dated a different guy in High School, I am certain I would not have been a virgin when I married my husband. Instead, God sent me a boy who was careful about how we spent our time together. This is God’s restraining grace. Though I swore I would never “do it” before I was married, I know now—without a doubt—that if I had been given enough time and opportunity things would be different.

Though much has changed in my life since then, I realize that much is still the same. Just like an un-tethered boat sitting idle in the water yet slowly drifting to the dangers of the open waters, without God’s restraining grace I will desert my babies, get into great debt, become a glutton, or cheat on my husband. 

You will, too. 

In other words, you are not the good little girl you think you are. It is only as we realize that it is by God’s mighty hand of grace that we are not living a different life. Yes, our choices matter; and yes, we need to be obedient. But we must realize that we are not the mightiest player in the game.

Casting comes with the humbling.

For some reason, every time I read this verse, I want to change “casting” to “cast”. I think it may be because we tend to separate these verses from one another. Verse seven is a great coffee cup verse—one we like to cling to. I’m anxious. God cares for me. Problem solved. Its almost as if we’ve changed it into a promise;  let go and let God, and everything will be fine. 

Problem is, that is not exactly what the verse is saying. Verses 6 and 7 are one sentence, and when read in context we see that the main command here is not to simply give our cares to God. We are exhorted to humble ourselves and, as we do, casting our anxieties on Him comes as a by-product. It is all one command—one action. We cannot be humble before God and truly recognize His great might, all the while clinging to our worries.

I wonder how many times I have been caught clinging to the facade that I can control what is bringing me angst while trying to be humble before God at the same time?

Remember one of the virtues that makes me precious in God’s sight? A peaceable spirit; being a woman who is able to be at peace. Kinda like when we fall asleep while reading and awake to find the book we were holding on the floor, resting humbly under God’s mighty hand causes our grip of worry to loosen. And as we see what a haven it is to be in His rest, we will willingly throw our anxieties unto our caring Savior.

I don’t know about you, but I would rather rest in the goodness of His presence than cling to the worries of my days.

What did the Lord speak to you in our last passage together? Come and share it in the comments!

My husband wraps up his second talk at Youth Camp after preaching through the reality of our sin. 

This is what life is about.

Each one, stewards of God’s varied grace. Vessels through which God’s abundant compassion has come to these students.

So, when I say that I feel as if this is what life is about, I don’t specifically mean youth camp, or even my husband preaching.  As Christians, our life is about God’s grace. Receiving it, celebrating it, and then giving it to as many as we come in contact with.

We each have a role to play in the world our God has placed us. And when we play the part we are born to play the glory of God is seen in a way that is irrisistable!

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV)

Our journey through 1 Peter has been rich, hasn’t it? I wish we could pour over every verse together! 

Once again I’m struck by God’s good timing, as He perfectly orchestrates seasons, days, and even moments to be perfectly aligned with His work in my heart through His Word. What has He been whispering to your heart through His Word? You can share it with us in the comments

I’m an overachiever.

In High School I was a Varsity cheerleader, the star quarterback’s girlfriend, Student Body President, hot on the heels of the Valedictorian, and voted Most Likely to Succeed.

And I loved it.

At Auburn University I quickly found my place as a student leader in a large Christian organization on campus where I eventually served as a Student Staff member. All the while I kept up my grades and earned the Chemistry student of the year for the Junior class and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  

It all thrilled me.

There is something inside of me that continually wants to be successful at whatever it is that I set my heart toward. Whether it be grades, a home business, blogging, or parenting, I am an idealist at heart, and am driven toward the achievement of those ideals.

How My World Was Shaken

While I do believe that this is a God-given drive, and one that can be incredibly honoring to Him, I’m afraid that I have often used it for my own glory and I’ve found my world centered around who I am in the eyes of others.

Eight years ago my life as an over-acheiver changed forever with my first pregnancy. From the first moments of morning sickness I was limited. I could no longer achieve what I could before. 

Over time, motherhood eroded away at my ability to achieve. I found my days consumed with details I could not control. The loss of control left me feeling that I could not succeed.

I found it very hard to feel significant while stuck at home changing dirty diapers.

I could not find success in my “achievements” at home—keeping the house clean, feeding my children well, or not yelling at them—because I ultimately failed in those never-ending efforts.

At times I felt worthless. 

How to Be Irreplaceable

At the heart of every woman is a yearning to be seen as valuable, unique, and irreplaceable—whether it be in the eyes of her father, husband, co-workers, or friends.

We all long to be precious.

In our efforts to be special and loved, it is easy to get caught in the trap of appearances. When our appearances can not be controlled, a crash of our world is bound to happen.

There is an interesting word used in part of our passage this week, adorning.

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
(1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV)

The original Greek word used for adorning here is “kosmos”. It is used almost 190 times in the New Testament, and all but two of which are translated into world.

If we go back to verses 3 and 4 and input “world” where we see “adorning” something interesting comes forth. We see a fuller picture of the command given. We are to not let our external appearance be our world, but let our world be set on what is internal.

My world is set on the external much more than I would like to admit.

What a Beautiful Soul Looks Like

In our pursuits of setting our world on being inwardly beautiful, we are given two characteristics from Peter of what a beautiful soul looks like—gentle and quiet.

The word gentle here means meek or humble. The woman who’s focus is toward a humble heart, is a woman who is precious to God. 

And then there is quiet. If you are anything like me, you may find this a challenge. I’m not sure that the word quiet has ever been used to describe me! Thankfully, this characteristic has little to do with the volume of our voices.

The meaning here is peaceable, or tranquil. The soul that is precious to God is the one who is able to be at peace.

If worry and anxiety rule our hearts, the peace of God can not rule. We are promised in Scripture that if we choose to let worry go, the peace of God will guard us. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Yet, I AM Precious

The best news of all, is that even on our “loudest” anxiety-filled days there is hope. When we miss the meekness boat and sail through our days in a vessel of pride, we are still precious to God. And when we are more concerned with adorning the external, instead of making our world all about reflecting Christ, we are still precious in God’s sight.

Jesus already lived the perfectly humble and peace-filled life for us, and as we live our lives out of an overflowing gratitude for all He has done, we will emulate His example of a humble and quiet heart.

What is your world centered on? The external or the internal? Are you able to be at peace, regardless of what comes your way?  Let’s chat about it in the comments.

 Leave a comment and let us know what God revealed to you in this week’s study.

Struggling with Spending Time in the Word Daily?

Watch this: 

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I have a new identity.

I am chosen.

Royalty.

Set apart.

I belong.

I have been given a new purpose.

I am to be a proclaimer!

I must shout of His excellencies.

He has given me mercy and lavished me with His grace!

He rescued this orphan and made me His own precious child.

He is excellent, indeed.

Today, let’s celebrate the truths of 1 Peter 2:9-10!

Which truths about who you are because of Christ will you proclaim today?

Come and share it with us in the comments.

Download the free printable shown above

Chris took me out for a date night last week, and I found myself drawn to this cute little ice cream shop, the Yum Yum Shoppe. I had taken the kids there a few days before for a treat, where I tried out a new flavor called Salted Caramel Praline.

It was amazing.

The salted caramel goodness had been calling my name ever since. I just had to have it. (And, no, I’m not pregnant!)

We arrived at the Yum Yum shop, mouth watering, and ordered a huge waffle cone filled with this yummie ice cream. Now, since I know this is not P90X approved, I needed to find a way to fit this into my plan.

So, I skipped dinner.

I will crave what tastes good to me.

Poor eating habits aside, this is a great picture of what happens when we crave God.

When you taste something so incredible, you are drawn to it; you crave it. You have to have it, and you will forgo other things (in my case, dinner) in order to fit what you want into your life.

We experience God through many ways, but especially through His Word. If I have truly tasted that God is good, my actions will follow. The Word of God will be a non-negotiable in my life, just like a newborn baby who cannot live without milk. He will cry and cry and cry until he gets what he needs.

What tastes better than God?

We see two types of commands in 1 Peter 2:1-3: “put away” and “long for”.

I think it is important to pay attention to the order in which we strive for obedience. Now, I  have experienced where the presence of things in my life have dulled the yearning for God in my life. Once I “put aside” those things, I found my desire for God rising. This is essentially fasting, and a great Biblical practice.

Yet, there are time where I get so focused on the putting off of sin, and all that needs to change, that I get stuck. The will to get rid of sin in my life will only take me so far.

What ends up happening to so many of us is that we spend so much time trying to put sin to death that we don’t spend enough time striving to know God deeply, trying to gaze upon the wonder of Jesus Christ and have that transform our affections to the point where our love and hope are steadfastly on Christ. The goal is this: that Christ would become more beautiful and desirable than the allure of sin. —Matt Chandler, The Explicit Gospel

A craving to experience more of God’s goodness through His Word is sustaining. Once we have tasted that God is good, we will want more and more of His goodness in our lives. We will “skip dinner” to have Him. The sin—or TV show, or sleeping in—that we once thought enjoyable we will push away in order to have time with our good God instead.

So, ladies, let’s be careful to focus more on the goodness of God, and pray for a greater craving for His Word. It is only this that will allow us to put away our vices.

Because God tastes better.

What did you learn this week in your study of 1 Peter? I would love to hear what you are learning!

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A good friend on mine just accepted an exciting new job position. They’ve been waiting on God’s good timing for a while now and this week they received the offer and accepted!

I’ve stood in their shoes many times. The promise of a great new job is exciting. A new future awaits and preparation for this new life begins.

The job has been given to me…but it is not quite mine yet.

A Lesson on Salvation

I’m sharing a bit about interpretation today, and the importance of getting it correct.

(Can’t view the video? Click here.)

There are a few “big picture” theological ideas that I have found extremely helpful in my efforts to “interpret scripture with scripture”, especially when studying passages on salvation. There is one four-worded phrase that you need to know:

Already…but not yet.

We are already “saved”…but not yet.

In order to better understand this, it is helpful to know three different components to our salvation. Justification. Sanctification. Glorification.

I know these are big words, but they are are important, so stick with me!

Justification is what has happened. In that glorious moment when the Lord invaded my heart and made me His own. I was given right standing with a Holy God, and was saved from the penalty of my sin, through Jesus Christ!

Sanctification is what is happening.  I am being made holy, and becoming more and more like Christ. I am being saved from the presence of sin.

Glorification is what will happen. One day I will meet my Savior and on that great day I will be rid completely of sin and all of the promises of being His child will then be fulfilled.

Studying 1 Peter 1:3-5

Let’s take a look at this week’s passage, with this “already…but not yet” running in the background, and see how it affects our understanding of the passage.

Here is my “dissection” of 1 Peter 1:3-5. Your’s probably looks different, and that is fine. Each of our brain works differently!

God has caused my salvation.

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
(1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

This is when justification happened. God, because of His great mercy, began the process of my salvation by declaring me righteous, through the work of Christ.

He is guarding me for salvation.

…who by God’s power [you] are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5 ESV)

My all-powerful Savior and Creator is bringing to completion what He started, and His Spirit is in me carrying out this work. I am being sanctified to become more and more like Jesus. I am already righteous in the sight of God, but I live in this sinful body, with my sinful tendencies and I must fight against it every day.

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
(1 Peter 2:2 ESV)

Just like the good momma who guards a toddler as they stumble their way toward figuring out how to walk, God is guarding me as I learn to put feet to my faith and “grow up into salvation”.

God has secured my future salvation.

…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…(1 Peter 1:4 ESV)

Glorification awaits me. I have a living hope in a very certain future with God.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6 ESV)

This hope is not a “I hope it doesn’t rain!” or “I hope my son will be potty trained by the fall!” This is a confident expectation that what is promised will happen.

The Great Rescue Plan

God has set into motion a rescue plan in my life. I have been saved from the penalty of my sin and have been declared righteous before God. Positionally, in the eyes of God, I am saved.

You are too, friend.

But, I have a long way to go in my journey of becoming more like Christ. God has left me on this earth for a purpose, as I prepare for my eternal destination, and He is sustaining me throughout the journey.

He is sustaining you, as well.

So, yes, I have already been “given the job” and a great and glorious future awaits me…but my “start date” is not yet here and I don’t know when it will be. I am to walk by faith that it is coming, and grow up into the salvation that I have been given while I wait.

Let’s be ready for when He calls, ladies!

What did you learn in your studies this week?

It’s graduation week here in town. Hopes are high, celebrations abound, and many dreams are about to be followed.

Call me a cynic, but I get a bit sad for some of these graduates. I don’t know who will be who, but many of them will soon look back on High School as the golden years. They will find that life has not become better, easier, or more fulfilling.

Unfortunately, among these soon-to-be disillusioned students, there will be many of these Christians grads who will feel this way as well—particularly about their faith.

You see, I’ve seen them on the other end. I spent almost 10 years in college ministry with Cru, and I could spot them a mile away.  All excited about getting involved, sporting their Christian t-shirt, and full of ideas of how they did things back home. They have this Christianity thing down.

But, come 2 months into their first semester? They were no longer interested in discipleship and evangelism. Some went the route of the Pharisees, and found a group who would join in their holy-huddle pride, while others found themselves denying Christ through their poor choices, choices they swore they would never make…

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I’ll Never Do That

Peter swore he would never.

He was sold out. On fire for Jesus. Ready to follow Jesus and take on whatever was to come.

But when the fire came, he melted. Troubles appeared and his “I’ll never” happened before he knew what hit him.

Jesus was seized, and Peter quickly deserted his Master and three times denied any association with Jesus—the same Lord who Peter had promised to follow to the death.

Though the crow of the rooster was still in his ears, I don’t think the weight of his betrayal hit Peter for yet another moment when something very significant happened.

Jesus turned and looked at Peter. 

The look that caused a grown man to weep

I have my own list of “nevers”. There are things I swore I would never do, that I did. Thoughts I would never have, I had. Moments I swore I would never pass up, but did.

I’m sure you have your list, too.

As frustrating and disappointing my own list of nevers is, I cannot imagine the deep remorse Peter felt as he caught a glimpse of the face of Christ.

Though I don’t know exactly what the face of Jesus looked at that moment, I do know the truth from His word.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Though Christ’s exact thoughts are unknown, His track-record for how he responded to sinners is well-known.

Forgiveness. Mercy. Grace.

So, I don’t believe that Peter ran away weeping because he caught a nasty glare from Jesus, and I don’t think he was overcome with guilt. I think Peter saw mercy alone in the eye’s of Christ, and it brought him to His knees.

Finally Getting It

It was only hours earlier Peter had dined with Jesus; he was excited and ready for all that was to come—the Kingdom was coming! Jesus had been teaching about it and, just like our glowing grads of today, Peter’s hopes were high for the future.

Those dreams were crushed the moment he witnessed Jesus be willingly arrested, and ultimately to crucifixion.

After encountering his nevers, then the great mercy of Jesus, I think that this was the point that Peter began to really get it. Who Jesus is. What He really came to do. What living for Christ really means.

Peter then became an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God, as he walked in obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit, toward what Jesus himself had called him to do—feed His sheep.

As we dive into 1 Peter today, I hope that remembering Peter and this merciful moment with Jesus, will run in the background of our minds throughout our study this summer. As we encounter the Word  and it sheds light on the sin in our lives—as it is meant to—let us not see condemnation, but grace.

Bonus: Tips for Spending Time with God

My hope is to do a few bonus videos this summer, sharing a tip to help you in your pursuit of God. Here is tip #1 (and some cute “interruptions” from my four-year-old!)

Highlights:

• :00 Intro
• :36 Anna enters the scene.
• :50 Find a time and a place.
• 1:21 Anna sings her days of the week.
• 2:28 “Take baby steps. Look at today; when can I spend 15 minutes today?”
• 1:36-2:46 Anna makes silly faces at herself.
• 2:40 Something to look at: “Where does all my time go?”
• 4:06 Pay more attention to what it is you want, instead of all that you aren’t doing. Actions will follow your heart.
• 4:50 The point is not to have the “perfect quiet time” its about connecting with God.

If you haven’t already, download the 1 Peter study guide here. We’re on 1 Peter 1:3-5 this week!

Do you have any questions about the study? 

What about your list of nevers? Have you experienced the mercy of Jesus in a life-changing way?

What do you think Peter saw in Christ’s eyes?

Let’s chat in the comments!

I’ve been doing P90X for the last few weeks. The thought of doing such an intense program was incredibly intimidating to me.

Everything about the program is intense. 90 straight days of working out. 60-90 minutes a day. Push-ups. Pull-ups. The Crunchy Frog. Weights. Plyometrics.

Did I mention pull-ups? As in, getting my body off the ground…and doing more than one?

Yeah, so it’s intimidating. But my husband wanted me to do it with him, and I was up for the challenge.

Each day we focus on a different set of muscles, and over the course of the week we have thoroughly worked every inch of our bodies.

And you know what? I’m loving it! I’ve already seen big improvements, and have surprised myself at the feats I’ve already accomplished.

Inductive Bible Study is Intimidating

You may feel this way about Bible study.

“Six weeks of regularly opening my Bible? Greek? Cross-referencing? Application? Sounds too difficult. I can’t do this!”

Just like being in good shape is not solely for the Tony Hortons of the world, a deep study of the Bible is not reserved for Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and the like. You, too, can study the Bible in a deep way.

No seminary training needed.

Can I get on my soapbox for just a moment? 

Too many Christians are spiritually weak and lazy, especially in the area of Bible study. Considering His Word is just that —God’s word to you and me— it is a sad reality that a great percentage people who call themselves followers of Christ don’t open His Word.

How can we walk in obedience if we don’t know what scripture teaches?

How can we call ourselves followers of Christ if we are more interested in following American Idol than we are developing our walk with God?

OK, I’m off the box now.

Let’s strengthen those muscles, ladies!

Are you feeling weak and flabby in the area of Bible study? Or, maybe you are strong in the Word, but enjoy having a plan of action and accountability to stick with it? Then, the Allume summer Bible study may be just the thing for you!

If you are feeling intimidated, don’t. I’m here to help.

I’ve created a plan that will help you learn to study the Bible on your own—as we study it together. You are going to learn how to focus on something new each day—just like I’ve been doing in P90X—and at the end of the week, you will be amazed at the results and surprised by how much you enjoyed “the workout”

Life-changing truths are waiting to be discovered. Power-laden promises are yours to claim. The depths of the character of our great God is woven throughout each page of scripture.

Are you excited yet?

Ready, Set, Go!

If you are ready to join the study, here’s what you need to do:

• Download the Allume 1 Peter Bible Study Guide here.
• Print the study guide and gather your Bible study materials (see guide for what you will need).
• Read through 1 Peter to get a birds-eye-view of the book. (If you’re a real super-star, try reading it once a day for the next few days!)
• Come back here on Wednesday, June 6 when we will kick off the study!

We will continue to meet back here on Wednesdays to discuss what we learned, ask questions, and encourage one another to use our spiritual muscles in ways that may be new.

Repetition Leads to Change

While doing P90X I’ve had to use muscles that are weak. At times it is uncomfortable and I don’t feel like I am doing the exercise the correct way, but—over time—I am getting stronger and more coordinated.

Change is occurring.

Wherever you are in your journey to know God better through your time in the Bible, I’m praying we will all take one more step towards spiritual maturity this summer as we dive deep into 1 Peter. I know that as we do, we will see Him in greater, deeper ways.

And that, my friends, is where true change comes from.

Have you studied the Bible “on your own” before? Are you “in” for the summer study? What are you looking forward to the most? 

Let us know in the comments!

Allume is about shining our light for Jesus and in large learning about Him  is foundational to walking this out.  Learning more about Him in community has so many wonderful benefits.

• We can share our strengths and weaknesses. We can learn from one another and lift each other up; encourage each other and pray for one another. The Bible talks about bearing each others burdens.
• We can share our testimonies. This is how God’s glory is made known! We must share with each other what He’s doing (or has done) in our lives. Testimonies also offer hope to those who feel hopeless. If God can work in my life, He can work in yours!
• We can sharpen each other. We can learn from one another as we study the scriptures together. If any of you are in a Hello Mornings group or Good Morning Girls group, you know this to be true!

Allume is your community! I have seen you make it your own. You all have blown me away with all your wonderful comments, your encouraging one another and challenging each other. As children of God, let us spur one another on in Him in the same manner.

We are so excited to bring you all a special treat from Katie Orr. Beginning in June, Katie is going to take us through a 6-week study on the book of 1 Peter.

Katie has created a Bible study series called Focused15, which emphasizes focusing on God’s word for at least 15 minutes. The 1 Peter study will be set up to follow this structure. Next week she’ll introduce the study to you and offer a downloadable outline.

I really want to encourage you to join in on this study, especially if you aren’t currently doing one right now. This is such a great opportunity to gather as a community and dig into His word.

Another wonderful resource that I personally recommend is Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time. Excellent and practical advice in this book.

So who’s in?

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