There is a cost

After I Peter 1:13-21

To believe, and to follow,

may impart a cost.

To deny what the word

says is right may require

a cost. To answer the call

to be holy means you are

different, you will be

different, and the difference

becomes sharper, more

distinctive, separating you

even more as each day

passes. You are being 

prepared for something

far better, far greater,

far more beautiful than 

what the world has to offer, 

what the world is able 

to offer.

 

Photograph by Random Thinking via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Some Friday Readings

 

Mary’s Song – poem by Charles Causley at Kingdom Poets (D.S. Martin). 

 

Those Who Sing Songs in the Night – Tim Challies.

 

Advent I – poem by Andrew Peterson at The Rabbit Room. 

 

In Advent Stillness – poem by Jeffrey Essman at Society of Classical Poets. 

 

Silent Night – poem by Kelly Belmonte at Kell’s Scribbles.

The process of calling

After I Peter 1:13-21 

The call is a process,

active and not passive,

an ongoing process.

First, prepare your minds,

specifically for action.

Second, be of sober mind;

the business at hand

is serious.

Third, be obedient; you are

a child made to obey.

Fourth, resist old passions;

do not conform to what’s

been cast aside.

Fifth, call on him, the father

who judges without favor.

Sixth, conduct yourselves

in fear; this is the time

of your exile.

Seventh, know you are

ransomed, an eternal

ransom fully paid.

Eighth, hold your faith

and all your hope

in the One who’s 

ransomed you.

 

Photograph by Pablo Lancaster Jones via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Some Sunday Readings

 

“The Good Riddle” by G.K. Chesterton – Malcolm Guite.

 

Psalm 24 – poem by Megan Willome.

 

The Sleep Whisperer – poem by Kelly Belmonte at Kelly’s Scribbles.