Dear praying friends, yesterday was one of the most disturbing, heartbreaking days in my 70 years of life as a Christian with American citizenship. With no further commentary on the events that took place in Washington, D.C., I simply want to pray the Scriptures with you today. 1st Peter was written to help believers live as citizens of heaven in the secular world of Rome. These words apply to Christians in every generation and nation. God have mercy on us all. Grace and Peace, Scotty
1 Pet. 2:1– Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Lord Jesus, we praise, bless, and adore you for being our perfect Savior and reigning King. You are our peace, and you have called us to a life of peace-making and neighbor-loving. We’re not to be passive, but passionately yours—serving you with thoughts, words, and actions becoming the Gospel. In these coming hours, days, and months, fill our hearts with your grace and Spirit, that we might rid ourselves of our unbelief, malice, and sin.
1 Pet. 2:9 – You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
More so than any flag we wave, or passport we carry, or tribe we cherish… you have declared us to be uniquely yours—chosen, beloved, a holy nation; a people called to bring light into the darkness, and your praise among the nations. The only unshakable, lasting Kingdom is yours, Lord Jesus—a Bride you are redeeming from every nation, tribe, people, and language (Rev. 7:9).
1 Pet 2:12 – Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Free us in these coming days to live good lives, godly lives among our neighbors. May our words and works of grace make the Gospel beautiful and believable to everyone. And if we are persecuted, may it not be because of our obnoxiousness, but your righteousness. May the two most important days on our calendars be today, and the Day of your return. We want to live in light of eternity, and love whoever you place in front of us today.
1 Pet. 2:16-17 – Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Lord Jesus, thank you for setting us free from sin, death, and judgment. May we use our freedom for your glory, and our neighbor’s good. Show us how to live respectfully, faithfully, and expectantly… until the Day you return to finish making all things new. So very Amen we pray, in your most loving and glorious name.
