2 Peter 1 - A Constant Reminder

How many times do you repeat the verses you memorize? It takes more than a few repetitions to remember a verse for a day or two, and it took me usually several dozen before I was ready for a quiz meet. I've even read that 100 repetitions is best for performing quickly and accurately in a competition! And, as many quizzers find out, daily practice is more productive than a couple longer sessions a week.

But there are more important reasons for storing a verse in your long-term memory. How often do we actually have a Bible nearby when we need to witness to someone, or are tempted to sin?

Peter thought endless repetition was important for healthy Christian growth, too. He writes in 2 Peter 1, "So I will always remind you of these things even though you already know them . . . that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Peter 1:12, 15, NIV). Peter give his fellow believers many instructions for godly living earlier in the chapter, but he sees no reason to stop. When we stop studying something, it slowly fades from our memory. And what things are more important to remember than God's instructions for living?

For those of you tired of studying the same old thing, remember: practice makes perfect (Matthew 5:48), and you are what you think about (Luke 6:45).

I Peter 5 - A Little Homework Help

Here's the scenario: you're trying to survive your classes this year, but every subject is making you bang your head against the wall. But your brother is home from college for spring break this week, and he offers to help you, every night, with all of it!

So you say, "Sure, there's this algebra I don't understand, and I need help on this science project, but don't worry about my English paper. It's driving me nuts, but I'll do it myself." Huh? He said he'd help with all of it! Why not let him?

Have you ever done this to God? I Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your anxiety on him." Not some. All. We shouldn't be telling God, "Yeah, you can help me be nice to my little sister, and I really need courage to witness to my friend, but I can handle stress about the track meet myself."

God loves us, and he wants to be there for us in everything we do. We need to be willing to trust him with all aspects of our lives. He will work it out, according to his will. And that's the best kind of help.

I Peter 4 - A Clear Prayer Connection

In this age of instant access, it's hard to escape from distractions. Multitasking is considered a good ability to have. I've caught myself texting a friend while chatting on Facebook and watching TV!

But this behavior goes directly against the Bible's command to "Love the Lord your God with all your . . . mind" (Matthew 22:37, NIV, emphasis added). When's the last time we put all of our concentration in one place? Yet this is just what God wants us to do for him.

Peter phrases this command a little differently in I Peter 4:7. He says, "be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and if we have the self-control to tune out or turn off distractions, we can clear our minds to pray.

I know, it's easier said than done. I've been struggling with distractions a lot lately. Think about it this way: God wants to be your friend, and it's inconsiderate to be distracted when talking to any friend. Maybe you need to go somewhere quiet and pray out loud, journal your prayers, or join a prayer group. Most importantly, remember who you're talking to, and why you want to spend time with him.