DATE POSTED
Sunday, August 17, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Peter 1:17-25 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
By taking a moment to read the verses referenced above, you will be better equipped to grasp the context of this devotional.

Peter was addressing Jews scattered among the Gentiles, yet the truth of his words remains deeply relevant for Christians today. Much like pastors observing their congregations today, Peter may have recognized a tendency among his people to take their relationship with God for granted. We sometimes fall into the same mindset—believing that since salvation secures our eternal place with Christ, nothing further is expected of us on earth.

However, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter reminds us in this passage that once we are saved, we are to live with reverent fear of the One who redeemed us—until the day we meet Him face-to-face in Heaven.

Think of it in terms of family life: we know our parents love us unconditionally, yet out of respect and love we seek to honor their rules and guidance. To ignore them would be to disregard both their authority and their God-given role in raising us. In the same way, when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we should not assume that belonging to Him frees us from responsibility. God expects obedience to His Word and attentiveness to His voice as He teaches us truth.

That obedience is coupled with relationship. Imagine telling a friend your child always follows the rules, yet never speaks to you—it would hardly feel like a healthy relationship. Likewise, our walk with God requires communication. Meditating on His Word opens the door to learning what God would have us do in accordance with His will for us. Prayer allows us to share our gratitude, praise, joys, and needs with Him. A true relationship thrives only through a two-way connection.

So, how is your relationship with God today? If it feels less than it could be, let Peter’s words serve as a reminder to draw nearer. Click on the Scripture reference above and read the short passage again, and ask the Lord to show you how to deepen your love, reverence, and obedience to Him. One of the greatest ways we can honor Christ is by living in faithful submission to His Word, allowing it to enrich and transform our lives.

Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, all of the above will seem strange to you, so I would encourage you to seek the Lord today and ask God to open your eyes to all I have shared above. No matter your circumstances, Jesus paid the price for your sin on Calvary. Receive Him today dear friend, and be belled with His gift of eternal life!

PRAYER
Thank You, loving Savior, for all You have done for us. You endured judgment from the Jewish leaders, the suffering of the cross at Calvary, and the mockery of those who sought to destroy You. Though the cup before You was not one of joy, You surrendered fully to the will of Your Father in Heaven, honoring Him in perfect obedience. You did this because of our sin, to provide the only way of forgiveness, so that we might stand in righteousness before the Father when He calls us home.

It was all for us, Lord, and we thank You from the depths of our hearts. Please place Your hand upon all who are saved, strengthening us daily with boldness to stand firm in our faith—so firmly that others may be persuaded of Your saving grace and the promise of eternal life. For those who have not yet received the free gift You offer, we ask that You soften their hearts, so that when You call them, they will freely surrender to You.

Eternity draws nearer with each passing day. Please help the unsaved to choose without delay, securing their place in Heaven with You, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, forever. For we long to have them join us when together we kneel in reverence at Your feet. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!