Imperishable, Undefiled, and Unfading {Reflections from 1 Peter 1:1-9}

Hello Friends!

Life continues to bring craziness, joy, and growth, but I am loving every minute of it (or at least trying to). Most days I am clinging to the cross-my strength alone constantly fails me, but God continues to be gracious to me. I am very thankful for Scripture and the opportunity to read God's word, learn about Him, and be encouraged on a daily basis.

I decided to start reading 1 Peter and I have been amazed at the context within the first 9 verses! Here is what 1 Peter 1:1-9 says:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of athe Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to bthe foreknowledge of God the Father, cin the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and dfor sprinkling with his blood:

May egrace and fpeace be multiplied to you.

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 gBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! hAccording to his great mercy, ihe has caused us to be born again to a living hopejthrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to kan inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and lunfading, mkept in heaven for you,5 who by God's power are being guarded nthrough faith for a salvationoready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by pvarious trials, 7 so thatqthe tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes rthough it is tested by sfire—may be found to result in tpraise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 uThough you have not seen him, you love him. vThough you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining wthe outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

We have been born again. But only through Jesus. He is our living hope. He is our inheritance (along with everlasting life) that is:

                 1) Imperishable (enduring forever)
                 2) Undefiled (pure)
                 3) Unfading (not losing value)

Verse 6-7 really hit home for me. My walk with God is never perfect, nor will it ever be. But I know in those times of trials, my relationship with Him is strengthened. "..though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith..". This year has been crazy, overwhelming, yet wonderful. There have been many times where I feel I have had to "fight" for my faith-spend time praying, reading the Word, find my joy and identity in Christ-it has been challenging. Yet, I know my faith is being strengthened.

I have about 46 more days until I drive down to Jersey Shore for Summer Project to love on the community and share the Gospel with my coworkers and community. I will face trials. Satan will try to stop this. But the result will be a more genuine and stronger faith. God is going to do some crazy things this summer-not only in my life, but in the lives of so many people who do not yet know Him. As summer approaches, please continue to pray for the people of Seaside Heights, boldness in Christ, and for funds to be raised in order to reach people with the truth of the Gospel. If you would like to learn more about what I will be doing, please check out http://give.gosummerproject.com/heather-brasel/ 

With Blessings,

Heather