Verse of the Day: 1 Peter 3:12

Verse of the Day: October 27th — 1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and His ears turned to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”
—1 Peter 3:12

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In the letter to his primarily Gentile Christian audience, Saint Peter wrote a lot about ‘Christian conduct.’ This topic was particularly important to him because it was particularly important to Jesus Christ, our Lord, whom he had walked with and learned from. Rounding out one section of his letter, Peter wrote: “Be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing” (v 8-9). Notice how Peter writes, “this you were called … that you might inherit a blessing.”

Adhering to the calling and Commands of God, particularly on how to behave as a Christian, is not optional. It is a prerequisite for the Lord’s blessing. While there are many different ways in which the Lord can and will bless us, the particular blessing in today’s Verse of the Day is also found in Psalm 34:16: “The eyes of the Lord are directed toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry.” There is nothing in this life more powerful than having the Lord’s eyes and ears turned towards you — your needs, wants, desires and prayers.

If you are in need of a blessing today, obey the Lord. Read over 1 Peter 2:11-3:9 and become familiar with what is expected of you as a Christian son or daughter — especially in times like these. Remember, the Lord’s commands are for your benefit … both here and in the life to come. He will always hear the prayer of a virtuous and obedient heart before Him.

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Today’s Prayer:

“Lord, Jesus, help us to be all that You have called us to be. Forgive us for the times we have fallen short and offended Thee. Oh Jesus, we want to do right by You; we want to be obedient to all Your laws, precepts and commands. We love You and want to accomplish all that You have desired for us. So strengthen us like Saint Peter, Lord; help us to grow in virtue and in courage … for we humbly acknowledge that we can do no great thing without You.
It is in Your good and holy Name we pray, Amen.”

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