Today’s scripture: 2 Peter 3:17-18
Peter ends his second letter with a final exhortation. Since we know some will
distort the truth, we need to be on guard. We need to be so saturated with
God’s word and its truth that no one or nothing can cause us to fall away.
Instead, we need to continually “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Every day should find us eager to discover what God wants us to know of Him. We
should read and study and dig deeper into His word. We should pray and ask for
wisdom and discernment. We should be on alert against those who would try to
pull our eyes and heart from our Lord.
And in all things and all ways we should glorify our God—Father, Son, and
Spirit. Now on earth, and then eagerly awaiting the day when we will have the
privilege of glorifying Him for eternity.
Today’s scripture: 2 Peter 3:13-16
We are looking forward to that new heavens and a new earth. Well, I guess I
should speak only for myself, but I’m really looking forward to being with my
Lord for eternity. And as we learned on Friday, we need to be diligent about
our behavior. How will Jesus find you when He returns? Will you be “spotless
and blameless”—or as close to these as possible? Will He find you sharing His
truth or reading His word or loving others?
What can we do to be fully prepared for Christ’s return?
We need to wisely study God’s word. Pray for the Spirit’s discernment as we
read. We can’t rely on the teachings of those who are “untaught and unstable,”
for they will distort His truth. That distortion will destroy them … don’t let
it destroy you as well.
The bottom line: Know God. Know His word. Live as Christ-like as possible. Not
easy. Not simple. But well worth it. For as I wrote on Friday, don’t you want
to hear the Father say to you, with love and pride in His voice, “Well done, My
good and faithful servant”?
I know I do.
Today’s
scripture: 2 Peter 1:12
Had any “senior moments” lately? That’s what my mother-in-law used to call
those moments when you can’t remember a very familiar name or why you walked
from the kitchen to the living room. I get them all the time.
Even though I know something, I can sometimes forget. Sometimes I need a
reminder—or two or three.
Sometimes we need reminders of why we believe what we believe or how we know
what we know. And that’s why it’s so important to spend time in God’s word and
time with His people. When we focus on God and His word, we’re able to speak of
our faith more easily. We’re ready with a logical answer for our beliefs.
Peter continues to remind us of what we already know. And we can do the same
with our brothers and sisters. We can remind them of what they already know and
help them to grow in faith. They can do the same for us.
So when you have a senior moment, when you can’t remember a verse or a biblical
principle, go back to the source. Let God’s word jog your memory. Let other
believers help remind you of what you already know to be true.
Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20-21
We must be on alert at all times. The enemy of our souls “prowls
around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He’s out there just waiting to
win a battle or two, and one of his tactics is to entice believers with
“worldly and empty chatter.” While he is not omniscient or all-powerful or
omnipresent, he does have a legion of demons just ready to do his bidding. And
if he can use the lusts of the flesh against us, he will.
And he’s even infiltrated the church. People stand at pulpits each Sunday
spouting false knowledge. Jesus wasn’t without sin. There are many ways to God.
Pick and choose what you want from the Bible because, after all, it’s really
not God’s inerrant word.
Indeed, many have “gone astray from the faith.”
The only way to combat the lies of the enemy is to be on guard. We must daily
put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). We must stand on the firm foundation
of God’s inspired, inerrant word.
Are you armed and ready? Is your guard up? Or are you vulnerable to the arrows
the enemy is firing your way?
Oh my friend, be prepared. For the battle will only grow more intense as we
draw nearer to the end of the war—and we know who the Victor of that will be!
Today’s
scripture: 2Corinthians 9:1-5
Are you prepared?
I recently relocated from Southern California, where we experienced earthquakes
periodically. Each time another earthquake occurred, everyone talked about
being prepared: Do you have an earthquake kit, including plenty of water, food,
flashlight, etc.? Do you have a communication plan, with an out-of-area
contact? Do you have an “escape” plan to get you back home?
Now that I live in an area prone to thunderstorms that can knock out power, the
same questions apply.
My answer? Yes and no. I do have adequate food at home, but I’m not certain
about water. I have kit in my car, but I’m not sure if any of the food in it is
good. I certainly have out-of-area contacts, but if my cell phone doesn’t work,
how will I call?
Being prepared is so very important. But even more important than being
prepared for a natural disaster, we need to be prepared for eternity. And we
need to help others be prepared as well.
While I may not be fully prepared for a major catastrophe, I am prepared for
eternity. I have accepted the gift of salvation through a personal belief in
the death, burial, and resurrection of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have
committed my life to serving God—Father, Son, and Spirit. I go to the throne of
God daily and surrender myself to His purpose.
My desire now should be to help those around me who are not prepared for
eternity become prepared.
Because just as an occasional earthquake is inevitable in Southern California
or a severe thunderstorm in Eastern Tennessee, eternity is inevitable.
Are you prepared?
