You Are a Holy Nation

But 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. — 1 Peter 2:9

Today we hiked the 7 bridges of San Diego.

Just six of us showed up, but it was a gorgeous day.

And we had a fun time walking around various neighborhoods and over some fun bridges.

Plus getting to catch up and chat with friends old and new.

Walking by homes of some of our church members.

Ending in the rose garden at Balboa Park.

And then getting a picture by the fountain.

We are God's special possession.

Gifted to declare His praise.

He has called us out of darkness.

Into His wonderful light!

Be Subject to the Governing Authorities

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. — Romans 13:1

Tuesday some San Diegans return to the polls.

We don't, but voters in Chula Vista will decide who fills the vacant City Attorney seat.

And voters in the county's fourth district will decide on their next supervisor in a run-off election between the final two candidates.

Yesterday I spent the day on jury duty.

I listened to potential jurors being questioned for a criminal trial.

A lady was charged with vehicular manslaughter in the death of a 17-year-old.

I was grateful to be released from serving.

Especially since they were going to have to look at autopsy photos.

I pray for the family of the victim and also for the lady being charged.

Apparently no drugs or alcohol were involved.

Kirk think she must have been speeding.

How horrible - I'd guess she would be remorseful for the rest of her life.

Even so, I think serving as a juror and voting are two important ways we can serve our city and recognize the governing authority that God has established.

Offer Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. — Romans 12:1 

Happy hallow's eve.

Sunday we made pumpkin succulents, and they turned out beautiful.

Tonight we'll had out candy to the neighborhood kids.

And we'll celebrate with a potluck and constume contest at work.

But everyday we celebrate God's mercy.

Worshiping Him with our actions, words, and spirit.

It Is By Grace We Have Been Saved

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9 

Last night we had a fun evening with some of Kirk's high school buddies.

And our friends from Arkansas.

We sat outside in Little Italy and caught up with people we hadn't seen for a couple of years or more.

And it was a beautiful San Diego evening.

Kirk got lots of compliments on his shirt.

It is by grace we have been saved through faith.

Not from ourselves but fromt he gift of God.

God's Word Is Alive and Active

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. —  Hebrews 4:12 

God's Word penetrates into my soul.

It judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart and finds that I fall short.

Each time I read it, I get something new from passages I've read over and over all my life.

It permeates my joints and marrow, letting the Holy Spirit convict me when I start to go against it.

Or when I start to move in an opposite direction or ignore God's Word.

It divides my soul and spirit.

The Word of God is alive and active.

The Sword of the Spirit is sharper than the sharpest double-edged sword in this world.

It is my one offensive weapon in the battle for the Lord.

The Word of the Lord Endures

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you. — 1 Peter 1:24-25 

This portion of the  passage in quotes is from the book of Isaiah.

We are like flowers whose beauty fades.

We fall and stumble.

But God's Word lasts forever.

Isaiah wrote it and it's repeated again in the New Testament just to help remind us.

So we never forget God's promise that His Word endures.

Even when all else fades and withers.

All Scripture is God-Breathed

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

God's Word is useful for teaching me how to live.

And for rebuking me when I stumble and fall.

And for correcting me when I start to wander away from God.

When I read it thoughtfully, it trains me in righteousness.

Not just certain verses, but all Scripture is useful.

Helping to equip me for every good work.

And doing so thoroughly and in truth.