Introduction
Many have lost their jobs in recent days. Others are working or going to school at home. Some are working less, and some are working more under enormous pressure. Wherever we are in this struggle, we all feel insecure. We all need real hope.
Real hope is found in the word of God. It is our defense against all the assaults of our minds. The word of God is cover to cover, page after page, verse by verse immersing us in the promises of God. Look for Him and you’ll find the love of Christ all over your Bible. If we are honest, however, we spend most of the day listening to garbage. We need more quality time in the word of God to get through this.
You don’t have to quit your job, neglect the housework, or silence the kids to wade in the refreshing promises of God. A consistent, daily time dose of the word of God is something you can draw from all day long. These short readings and questions are designed to immerse you in the word of God where your true hope is found.
Set aside at least five minutes for these daily exercises and you will end up carrying them for hours! You can do this alone or a family group. You can hold on to the treasures you find, creatively decorating your thoughts, household, workspace, and online activities.
Read the Bible verse one or more times. Before you go to the reflection questions, ponder what the Spirit of God is saying. The Word of God is powerful! Expect the Spirit to inspire you, teach you, grow you and guard your thoughts throughout the day. This week you will read, “All flesh is like grass… The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1 Peter 1:24)
Monday
Read:
If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. (1 Peter 1:17)
Reflect:
Stuck at home? Feel exiled? Remember you are a child of God! How will call on your Father today? How will you fear, honor, and trust Him in your work and conduct?
Tuesday
Read:
[Live] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Reflect:
What words express money transactions or valuables? How do these words describe the value God places on your life? How will it impact your valuables?
Wednesday
Read:
[Christ] was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:20 21)
Reflect:
What familiar Bible verses best support your faith, your hope and your focus on Jesus? Recall (or search for) two different Bible verses to write down, remember, and use in your conversations today.
Thursday
Read:
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.
(1 Peter 1:22)
Reflect:
How is the word of God challenging you to love more obediently, sincerely, earnestly and purely in your relationships?
Friday
Read:
Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
Reflect:
How has this crisis humbled your trust in things perishable? How is the living and abiding word of God producing repentance and new life in you?
Saturday
Read:
For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:24-25)
Reflect:
The Small Catechism commends Sabbath to be a time for you to “hold the word of God sacred and gladly hear and learn it.” How will you this weekend give priority and devotion to the word of God in multiple ways available to you?