Going to Extreme's

Yesterday I was having devotions and decided to open the " Directions" Book of Devotion's Sheridan House Published several years ago . Myself and other Pastors were asked to write devotions for this book. When I opened it yesterday I noticed the Devotion for Sat.Dec.8th was one I had done. I thought of sharing it on my blog, but I was too lazy to type it on a busy day off. I didn't think anything about it until a few minutes ago , I went to Sheridan Houses site to get information for another blog on our Missions Offering of toy's and gift cards for single moms and their children in conjunction with Sheridan House. To my surprise My name and My devotion was on their home page for today. I did not know they published the daily devo's from the book. So a little cut and paste and here it is . I hope it will challenge someone to go to the Extreme!!!!   Go to Extremes Guy Melton “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He Who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16, NIV          The word “extreme” is used in almost every area of life today. It is said the X-Generation (teens-20s) is extreme. Extreme sports, such as snow boarding, are growing so rapidly they are even included in the Olympics. You name it…there are extremes in everything. Extreme is anything not considered mainstream. Once it is accepted, it is no longer extreme.          I think as Christians, God calls on us to be extreme. Unfortunately, most Christians have become mainstream, and are very comfortable there. In our society, it is considered extreme for a person to remain a virgin until they marry. It is extreme for a couple to stay married their entire lifetime. Yet God’s Word expects that to be the acceptable standard…the mainstream.          1 Corinthians 6:18-20 tells us to “Flee sexual immorality.” It reminds believers that our bodies are not our own, we have been bought with a price. Therefore, we are to honor God with our bodies in all areas. Now that is extreme for our society!          Peter, in his first epistle (1 Peter 1:13-16) challenges believers to be: self-controlled in our lives; obedient to Christ, not conforming to our natural, sinful desires; and to be holy, as He is holy.          When we follow this pattern, we become extreme to the world and even many times, to others in our church and the body of Christ. That is okay. Let us follow Christ, whether at school, in dating, at work, or in our neighborhood. Let us go to the Extreme! QUESTION:  Would you be considered “extreme” by others, because of your Christian walk?  In what area of your walk can you become more like Christ? You can also go to the Sheridan House Site any day and get a devotional for the day. Or you can pick up a copy in our Book Corner in the Kona Cafe, located in the Community Cafe, i think we have this hard back Devotional on sale for $5.00 .