1 Peter 1:13-16
 
Pastor Dave used a syntactical diagram to unpack what the apostle Peter has to say about the two key commands in the sidebar.
 
One of the words that modifies the imperative set your hope is fully. Peter is commanding us to put all our eggs in one basket, the basket called the Lord’s gracious salvation. The two participial phrases that also modify set your hope involve the mind: preparing your mind for action and being sober-minded. Setting our hope fully on the Lord requires fighting battles in our minds. The enemy of our souls is good at dropping lies into our thoughts. “Salvation, yes … but also money (or a spouse or a better house or a little fun).” Or, “There’s plenty of time to consider salvation. Right now, your best hope lies in career advancement (or a conservative president or a retirement plan).” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be alert for such thoughts and prepared to combat them. Ask Him to train your mind so you can set your hope fully on salvation in Christ.
 
Perhaps the most challenging phrase that modifies the imperative be holy is in all your conduct. Dave asked, “Does that mean, be holy on the basketball court? At the DMV? During an argument over vaccines? While driving?” Yes! One day this week, begin your morning by praying and asking the Lord to reveal just how holy you are in everything you do and say over the course of the day. This prayer is guaranteed to be uncomfortable; you will certainly be humbled. Then pray: Lord, I know I cannot be holy on my own, even on my best days. You call me to be holy, and You desire to make me holy. Help me cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification in my life.

Have you peeked into our old sanctuary to see what has changed since our Chinese congregation moved into the space? As you pray for Calvary, remember to lift up our Chinese brothers and sisters. Ask the Lord to fill their pastor, Lihao (or David) Shan, with wisdom as he shepherds his flock.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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