THE HOLY BIBLE (God’s Word Translation – 1 Peter 3:13-17): ¹³ Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you suffer for doing what God approves, you are blessed. Don’t be afraid of those who want to harm you. Don’t get upset. ¹⁵ But dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord. Always be ready to defend your confidence in God when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect. ¹⁶ Keep your conscience clear. Then those who treat the good Christian life you live with contempt will feel ashamed that they have ridiculed you. ¹⁷ After all, if it is God’s will, it’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong.

 THOUGHTS: I don’t believe we have ever heard of anyone getting into trouble for doing what is right. Of course in earthly terms, it will depend on who’s defining ‘good’ versus ‘evil’. However in God’s kingdom, good means that we are living according to the teachings of Jesus and for His name’s sake. A very key verse is buried into this same thought by Peter, and I could only imagine that God was teaching us through Peter, that when we concentrate on doing good, what is right, what is biblical, what may be totally opposite to the world’s view on something, it may be recognized that we must have a deeper and more powerful source working through us. So we are encouraged to not attribute our ‘good’ to happen chance, or good luck, or any personal contribution, but instead, be ready to explain the joy of the Lord that controls our life and directs our path. For when we give glory to the One who controls us, folk who may tend to gossip or destroy us, will then feel ashamed for putting us down, if we broach the subject with humility, gentleness and respect. Friends, it is an awful thing to find yourself in the hands of an angry God. So live according to His commands/instructions. Do good, just as He did when He was here on earth. And boast about the source of your goodness so that praise might be offered to the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords, the Savior of this world – all because of our personal relationship with Him and submission to Him. Praise to God for His wonderful works and His leadership in my life! I pray that we can stay closely attuned to Jesus, and His powerful works possible through us!

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are good, and Your mercy endureth forever! Thank You for loving even me. Thank You for saving my soul! Thank You for teaching me Your ways so that I may live in peace with You and my Brothers and Sisters here on earth. Please work powerfully in the lives of all who call on You today. May Your perfect will be evident in all that we do or say, so that others will desire to know more about You and Your wonderful works. May we be consistent in doing good, with Your help and for Your sake. Please touch the lives of my readers and myself in very meaningful and powerful ways today, is my humble cry that I ask in the precious and strong name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or read through Biblical truths on How To Know Jesus, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!