Born of God (1 John 3:9)

Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
(1 John 3:9, NASB)

Sometimes, old adages really illustrate a point well. Albeit very dark, "Like beating a dead horse" is one of them. Sometimes, it seems like overkill when John or Peter or Paul continue to reiterate a theme or a topic over and over. However, it's just as if they knew human nature. We can be very dense or resistant or downright hostile to truth.

And sometimes, the writers of the Bible knew they'd have to make their argument over and over in order for their readers to really "get it."

We've already read several times how we cannot serve God and still habitually sin. We cannot be Christ-followers and practice sin. One or the other will have dominance in our lives.

If we choose to truly follow Christ and seek the Father's will, then the Holy Spirit will convict us when we sin. If, however, we choose to practice sin, then our focus will be taken off of God and onto our sin. It might be gradual neglect or outright defiance.

You're either "born of God," with the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, or you're a slave to sin.

So as I've written before, you must choose. Please choose wisely. Please allow God complete control of your life. It'll be the best decision you ever made.

Don't Be Deceived (1 John 3:7-8)

Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
(1 John 3:7-8, NASB)

We live in a world of deceivers. Politicians. Corporations.

And now, it seems, our schools. They seem to be changing history. They teach evolution as fact, but creation can’t even be taught as a theory. They allow “free thinking,” but don’t be caught praying in class.

But even more tragic? Our churches. Tolerance has morphed into compromise which then becomes acceptance. I’m all for loving my neighbor, and I’m a huge proponent of loving the sinner, yet hating the sin. And if one is not a follower of Jesus, then I say, “Live and let live—as long as they’re not hurting someone or breaking the law.”

HOWEVER …

If one says he’s a follower of Jesus, yet practices sin … well then, I do have an issue with that. If one picks and chooses what she believes in the Bible in order to legitimize her sin … Now I know the Bible says, “Judge not, lest you be judged” (Matt. 7:1), but it also gives guidelines for how to redeem a sinning brother. (See Matt. 18:15-20.)

John makes it very clear in today’s verses. Those who practice, who live in habitual sin of any kind, are of the devil. You cannot serve two masters. (I know, I’m taking literary license with Matt. 6:24 and Luke 16:13 as Jesus was talking about God and money. However, I think He’d be the first to say that we cannot serve both God and anything. He has to be our one and only Master.)

If you’re practicing sin, then please confess it. And then “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Don’t be deceived by this world. Don’t be deceived by even those who call themselves Christians, yet compromise God’s word.

Instead, practice righteousness. Pray that God will help you to more and more like Christ. Pray that you’ll exude the fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22.) Practice those things that will please God.

In the end? That’s all that matters.

What Do You Practice? (1 John 3:4-6)

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him.
(1 John 3:4-6, NASB)

John makes what appears to be an abrupt shift from yesterday’s verses to today’s. But not really. We ended yesterday’s study talking about hope. But that verse ended with John’s assertion that we who follow Christ will one day be pure as He is pure.

With those words echoing, John continues by contrasting the “unpure” with the pure. Because God is pure, only those who are pure can abide with Him.

And of course, it’s impossible to be pure, to be righteous, apart from Jesus Christ. He came to earth to become our once-for-all sacrifice. He took our penalty for sin so we can be pure in the Father’s eyes.

And once we are saved by the blood of Christ, our desire should be to be like Him. We should no longer be slaves to sin. We should no longer practice sin. Yes. We will sin sometimes. It’s that flesh again. But the key word is practice.

Anyone who practices sin cannot abide in God. You will either practice sin or you will practice a Christ-like life. One or the other.

So ... what do you practice? Is your time spent living a habitual sin? Or do you keep your focus on God? If it's the latter, then your practices should be prayer, Bible study, service, worship, fellowship ...

What do you practice?

Placing Your Hope (1 John 3:2-3)

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
(1 John 3:2-3, NASB)

Where do you place your hope? In your job? In relationships? In your stuff? And what happens when you lose your job? Or your best friend moves away? Or your house burns down? I know, those are pretty depressing thoughts, but things happen.

The only unchanging place to put your hope is in God. One day, Jesus will return. We know this. We put our hope in it.

One day, we will be like Jesus. We will be pure. We will be perfect in the eyes of our Father.

And we’ll spend eternity with Him.

No more pain. No more sorrow. Just worshipping and serving our Creator God.

I don’t know about you, but that’s where I place my hope.

God's Children (1 John 3:1)

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
(1 John 3:1, NASB)

You are a child of God! You are a son or daughter of the King! That’s how much God loves you!

He could have called us servants or slaves … or nothing at all. But He chose to call us His children. His dearly-loved children. When we accept the gift of salvation through belief in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are adopted into God’s family.

I have many friends who have adopted children. Some have “natural” children as well, but they make no distinction between those children who came from their body and those adopted into their hearts.

And once we’re adopted into God’s family, He makes no distinction either.

But the world certainly does. Non-believers don’t understand how believers are part of a family. We’re all brothers and sisters—God’s family. They don’t recognize our kinship because they don’t recognize our Father.

No matter what the world may think of us, be grateful. You are God’s son. His daughter. You have brothers and sisters across the globe. You are never alone, for your Father is always with you.

Your Father. Your Abba. Your Daddy.

How Will He Find You? (1 John 2:28-29)

Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.
(1 John 2:28-29, NASB)

John now comes to the most important reason we should abide in Christ. He will return one day. It could be today. Or tomorrow. Or years from now. But He will return.

How do you want Jesus to find you when He returns? Watching television? Playing video games? Gossiping with your friends? Committing adultery? Cheating? Lying?

Or will He find you serving at a soup kitchen? Praying? Playing with your children? Reading God’s word? Embracing your spouse? Worshipping at church?

Will you be following what Jesus called the greatest commandment—loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Or the second—loving your neighbor as yourself? (See Mark 12:29-30.)

God is righteous. And we who call ourselves His children need to be as righteous as we possibly can be. We won’t be perfect this side of heaven, but we can choose to love God and love others. We can choose to live in such a way that we won’t be in any way ashamed when Jesus returns to take us to heaven.

How will Jesus find you when He returns? Think about it.

Abide in Him (1 John 2:27)

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
(1 John 2:27, NASB)

When we accept the gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of God the Son, God the Holy Spirit indwells us. And He gives us wisdom to understand God’s word. He helps us to discern truth from lies. He convicts us when we sin.

But we can fight Him. Ignore Him. Still make our own decisions. Justify our sin.

I’ve certainly been guilty of all of the above. But the older I get, the closer I get to heaven, the more I want to allow the Spirit to work in me. The more I want to allow Jesus to shine through me. The more I want to allow the Father to work His will in and through me.

I want to abide in Him.

Can you honestly say you completely abide in God? That you believe in Him fully? That you want to live to honor and glorify Him and only Him?

Give it up. Give it all up to Him. Let God work through you. Let Him bless you as He sees fit.

Abide in Him.

Don't Be Deceived (1 John 2:26)

These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.
(1 John 2:26, NASB)

One of the main purposes of John’s writing this letter is contained in these words. He wanted to prepare his readers for “those who are trying to deceive you.”

And we today need this same preparation. We certainly face deceivers, both religious and secular. Evolutionists “prove” their beliefs. Atheists deny God exists. New age thinkers say you can be your own “god.”

Even more tragically, religious leaders, even those who profess to be Christians, are deceiving us. Maybe Christ wasn’t sinless. Maybe there is another way to find salvation. Maybe everyone really will go to heaven if he’s good enough.

Then there are those who tell us if we give more, we’ll get more. That God wants everyone to be wealthy and prosperous.

Tragic … and immensely dangerous. Sin isn’t really sin. Jesus wasn’t really perfect. There are many roads to heaven. The Bible isn’t the infallible, inspired word of God.

So dangerous because God will not be mocked (Gal. 6:7). He will not be second-best (Ex. 20:3). He expects—and deserves—all our love … heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).

Beware of those who would try to deceive you. Make God’s word your touchstone. If anything distracts you or tells you something contrary to what God’s word says, run from it. And, as I’ve written many, many times, the only way to know what God’s word does say is studying it and meditating on it every day. I can’t encourage you more strongly.

Because if you don’t know, really know, what you believe, you’ll be easily deceived.

And that really is tragic.

Jesus' Promise (1 John 2:25)

This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.
(1 John 2:25, NASB)

I love this verse! I’m helping out with my church’s VBS this week, and one of the memory verses my kids learned was John 3:16. As I said yesterday, sometimes we who’ve known Jesus for a while can take our relationships with Him for granted. The same can be said of Bible verses we may have memorized years (or for some of us, decades) ago.

John 3:16, written by the same John whose book we’re focusing on now, reminds us of the core of the gospel. God loves us so much, He had a plan for our once-for-all salvation. God the Son, Jesus, came to earth to die for us, to pay the penalty for our sin. And that’s awesome … truly.

But that’s not the end of the story for us.

We’re promised another awesome thing: eternal life with our Lord and Savior. Eternity praising Him. Eternity worshipping Him.

That’s a promise Jesus Himself made. And that’s a promise you can trust.

Abide in God's Word (1 John 2:24)

As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
(1 John 2:24, NASB)

Do you remember when you first met Jesus? When you asked Him to forgive you of your sins and be Lord of your life? Do you remember eagerly reading God’s word and being amazed how it spoke to you?

Do you remember your “first love”?

Some of us who’ve been following Christ for a while can take the amazing gift of a relationship with God—Father, Son, and Spirit—for granted. We forget what we “heard from the beginning.”

After I rededicated my heart and gave my life completely to the Lord almost 17 years ago, I felt that “first love” again. But I neglected time with God and time in His word. For about five years, my faith ebbed and flowed. I found myself falling back in to old patterns, and I realized that I needed to “abide” in God’s word. I needed to spend time reading and studying and meditating. I needed to spend time in prayer. And it had to be every day.

I get so easily distracted, and I know if I don’t spend part of each day with Jesus, I tend to neglect my relationship with Him. I need to abide in Him. And when I abide in Him, I learn more about God’s will for my life.

Are you abiding with Jesus? Spending time in the Bible? Every day? May I encourage you to do so? It’ll become the best part of your day. I promise.

Denying Christ ... (1 John 2:22-23)

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.
(1 John 2:22-23, NASB)

A couple of days ago, we read about the many “antichrists” in the world today. Today’s verses make it even more pointed. Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah—is an antichrist. Anti-Christ. Against Christ.

Just as we must decide whom we serve—God or money (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13), we must decide what we believe about Jesus. It’s not enough to say He was a wise man or a good teacher. He said He was equal with God the Father (“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30). He claimed that “no one comes to the Father but through [Him]” (John 14:6).

So to say He was just a good man or anything less than the Messiah is just plain wrong. And if you deny what He Himself said He was, then you’re against Him. You’re an antichrist.

I don’t know about you, but that chills me to the bone.

History—even secular history—has proven Jesus existed here on earth. And a two-millennia faith has flourished since the first disciples began sharing the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. The gospels and Paul’s letters date to within just decades of the actual events. So closely, in fact, those who disputed Christ’s followers could have easily brought eye-witnesses to deny their claims.

But they didn’t. They couldn’t. Because everything happened exactly as the Bible said it did. Jesus did come to earth. He did die for the sins of mankind. He did rise again. He is Messiah, Savior.

Don’t deny truth. Don’t deny Christ as Messiah. Don’t be anti-Christ.

Know the Truth (1 John 2:20-21)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
(1 John 2:20-21, NASB)

When we committed our lives to God the Son, we received not only an anointing from the God the Father, but also God the Holy Spirit indwelt us. He is in us. And He helps reveal the truth of God’s word. As we study and meditate on God’s word, we know the truth.

Time in God’s word is the only way to really know God and His will. And it takes time. Every day. I know I write about this a lot, but it’s true. Until I spent time with God—every day—my walk with Him was, well, up and down, back and forth. It was too easy to neglect God. To neglect my faith. And fall into old fleshly ways.

When I made it a point (literally an appointment) to spend time with God each day, my life changed. For the better. As I learned more about Him and His love, grace, and mercy, my faith grew stronger. I had more peace. More joy. And as I trusted my life to Him, I became more content with whatever He sent my way.

Now, my day isn’t complete without spending time with God. Sometimes it’s only a few minutes. Other times, it’s much longer. The important thing? Keeping Him first and foremost in my heart and mind. Learning more about Him and His will.

Every day. What will you do this day to know your God more deeply?

For or Anti Christ (1 John 2:18-19)

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.
(1 John 2:18-19, NASB)

In the end times, there will be an Antichrist, who will deceive the world and usher in the tribulation (which, I believe, will happen after the rapture of the church). But even in these days, there are many, many antichrists. Anyone who is against Jesus Christ is an antichrist.

Atheists. Agnostics. Followers of other “faiths” that deny Jesus as God. And sadly, so-called Christians who say Jesus may not have been sinless or that He isn’t necessarily the only way to salvation and eternal life with God.

What do you believe? Is Jesus who the Bible says He is? Perfect God the Son who came to earth to pay our penalty for sin and to reconcile us with God the Father? Or was He just another wise teacher? Or maybe a myth?

You can either be a Christ-follower—heart, soul, mind, and strength—or an antichrist. One or the other.

Which are you? Your decision has eternal ramifications. And as I wrote yesterday, you must make a choice. So again, choose wisely.

God or the World - Your Choice (1 John 2:15-17)

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
(1 John 2:15-17, NASB)

Our world offers many enticements. Things that appeal to our flesh, that catch our eyes. Wear this and you’ll look like her. Use this make-up and you’ll defy age. Drive this car and you’ll be popular. Ads and commercials depict beautiful, carefree people living just for today.

And sometimes even we Christ-followers get caught up in the hype. But the Bible makes it very, very clear. We cannot love both God and the world. Whichever is our primary focus becomes either our God (capital “g”) or our god (lower case “g”).

The Bible makes something else very, very clear: This world and everything in it is temporary. It will “pass away.” In fact, it’s in the very act as I write this. Even many secular scientists say the world is winding down, and we who follow Christ know that, one day, He will return. This world and its lusts will be destroyed, and we’ll live eternally in the new heaven and earth God has planned for us.

So … where is your focus? Are you running after the temporary things of this world? Or are you looking toward eternity? Are you living to serve God? Or the gods of this world?

You have to make a choice. Choose wisely.

Four Attributes of Believers (1 John 2:13-14)

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
(1 John 2:13-14, NASB)

These verses describe four attributes of believers. Let’s look at them one by one:

We know God. We serve a personal God, One who wants to be known by His children. Many belief systems (in fact, most other than Christianity) believe their god to be far off somewhere, not interested in the day-to-day of us humans. Our God, on the other hand, is with us at all times. He never leaves us. We can come to Him at any time—and He’s here. Right now.

We have overcome the evil one. When we become followers of Jesus Christ, we join the winning side! Satan may try his best to tempt us or try to pull us away from the truth, but he knows he’s going to lost the war.

We are strong. With Jesus at our side, we can accomplish anything, according to the Father’s will. Yes, we may have pain or tragedy or crisis, but we are assured that we “can do all things” through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. (See Philippians 4:13.)

God’s word abides in us. As a believer, a follower of Christ, it is critical—and I don’t use that word lightly—to spend time in God’s word. The Bible is full of truth, wisdom, encouragement, conviction, and inspiration. We know God more and more through His word. And we know more and more what He wants from us through His word.

Do you know God? Really know Him? Do you feel confident you’ve—with Jesus in you—overcome the evil one? Do you spend time in His word so it can abide in you?

Serving our personal God with whom we can truly be in relationship is a blessing beyond measure. Don’t take it for granted.

For His Name's Sake (1 John 2:12)

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake.
(1 John 2:12, NASB)

Such a short verse, but so rich. When we confess our sins, God the Father will forgive. (Don’t forget 1 John 1:9!) And He forgives because of the name of Jesus, God the Son.

There’s a wonderful old song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither called, “There’s Something About That Name.” The words are so true:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim!
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there's something about that name.

If you listen to a recording of this wonderful song, in between the two choruses, Gloria herself speaks of the amazing things that happen just at the mention of Jesus’ name:

Jesus, the mere mention of His name can calm the storm, heal the broken, raise the dead. At the name of Jesus, I've seen sin-hardened men melted, derelicts transformed, the lights of hope put back into the eyes of a hopeless child. At the name of Jesus, hatred and bitterness turn to love and forgiveness; arguments cease...

Emperors have tried to destroy it; philosophies have tried to stamp it out. Tyrants have tried to wash it from the face of the earth with the very blood of those who claimed it. Yet still it stands!

And at the name of Jesus, we are forgiven. There really is something about that name. Indeed.

Love Others (1 John 2:9-11)

The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
(1 John 2:9-11, NASB)

For the first part of his letter, John focused on loving and serving God. Being Christ’s light. Now he ups the ante.

Living in Christ’s light means more than loving God. It means loving others as well. And John makes it very clear: If we hate someone, we’re walking in darkness.

Hate breeds in darkness. I know. For many years, the hate I harbored for my abusers filled my heart so completely, there was no room for peace or joy … or love. Even more, that hate kept me from my relationship with God as well.

It wasn’t until I could forgive and love—yes, love—those who had hurt me that I was able to truly love God. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t mean agreement or approval. It means taking the burden off of your own shoulders. It means opening your heart to God’s love.

Is there someone you’ve yet to forgive? Someone who’s hurt you? Forgive. And even if you can’t let them in your life (and that’s okay), ask Jesus to help you love them. With His love.

Be the Light of Jesus (1 John 2:7-8)

Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining.
(1 John 2:7-8, NASB)

John’s readers would have been very familiar with God’s commandments: to love Him (commandments 1-4) and to love others (commandments 5-10). (See Deut. 5:7-21.) So he first reminded them of that very fact. The “word which you have heard” would have been embedded in their hearts.

Yet John was also “writing a new commandment.” Before Christ’s first visit to earth, the people of Israel were to follow a laundry list of cleansing and purification rituals. Law upon law. And for them, atonement came through an annual sacrifice of a spotless lamb.

Now, however, atonement comes through the spilled blood of Jesus Christ. This “new commandment” said to abide in the light—the true light—of the Savior. Accept His gift of forgiveness and salvation. Joyfully live in relationship with him.

And one last promise in today’s verses: “the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining.” Yes, this world seems to be very dark—and getting darker. However, Jesus’ light is already shining through those who really, truly follow Him.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you may remember the time we spent in Philippians. Remember how Paul describes true followers? To paraphrase: We are light in a dark, perverted, corrupt world.

Shine the light of Jesus today. Be Him to someone.

Truth or a Lie? (1 John 2:3-6)

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
(1 John 2:3-6, NASB)

As I’ve written before, there are many people who call themselves “Christians.” There are churches that say they’re “Christian” churches. But in reality? They’re liars.

If someone says she knows God, yet she picks and chooses what she believes, she’s a liar. If someone says he knows God, yet he disregards part of God’s word and commandments, he’s a liar. Hey, it’s not me who says this; it’s God.

The one who really knows God will keep His commandments. She’ll keep His word. He’ll love God and others. Those who really know God will abide in Him.

They’ll walk as Jesus walked.

So, are you a true follower of Christ? Do you believe God’s word as His inerrant, inspired revelation? Do you strive to follow His commandments—knowing, of course, that you may fail sometimes? Do you do your best to walk as Jesus walked?

If you truly want to follow Jesus, don’t compromise. Don’t “edit” God’s word. Walk the walk and talk the talk.

And why is this so important? Because the Bible says some will experience a very tragic meeting with God one day: They’ll stand before God, and say, “I went to church. I called myself a Christian.” And He’ll say, “Who are you? I don’t know you.” (See Matthew 7:21-23.)

Don’t let that be you. Believe with your whole heart. Meditate on His entire word, even those passages you don’t necessarily understand—or even like. Follow His commandments. Love Him and others. Serve Him.

And then one day, you’ll hear those amazing words, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” (See Matthew 25:22-23; Luke 19:17.)

I don’t know about you, but that’s my desire: to live like Christ on earth, and then to stand before my Lord, knowing I loved, honored, and served Him well.

Jesus, Our Advocate (1 John 2:1-2)

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
(1 John 2:1-2, NASB)

More verses of amazing encouragement! John’s first hope for his readers was that they not sin at all. And as followers of Christ, that should be our daily goal: to be as Christ-like as possible and fight against sin.

But John knew how fleshly and flawed we humans are, so he reminded his readers that, when we do sin, Jesus is our Advocate, our interceder. Jesus, the righteous. Jesus, our sacrifice. Jesus, our Savior.

He is the “propitiation for our sins.” He is, according to Webster’s Dictionary, our “atoning sacrifice.” Jesus willingly gave His life to save you and me from our sins. He willingly gave His life to save everyone from their sins. Everyone.

And all we need to do is acknowledge that sacrifice. Confess our sins and then accept the gift of salvation. And then, as Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Sin no more” (John 8:11). So simple. Yet for many, so difficult. Because it means they have to, well, confess their sin. And even more, they’re to sin no more. They either don’t think they’re capable of not sinning (and without the Holy Spirit, they are) or they don’t want to not sin.

If it’s the latter? They need a major change of heart. If, however, you’re reading this, and it’s the former, take heart. God knows you may sin again, even after accepting Jesus as your Savior. But, with the Holy Spirit in you (which happens immediately when you ask for Jesus’ forgiveness and ask God to be Lord of your life), you’ll be more and more aware of the sin in your life. You’ll confess it, and then, it will have less and less a stronghold on your life.

And if you do sin every once in a while? Your Advocate is ready and willing and able to intercede for you with the Father. And forgive you of that sin.

So be encouraged. I know I am.

Confessing and Forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10)

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
(1 John 1:8-10, NASB)

Ah. One of the most encouraging verses in the Bible. 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God is willing and waiting to forgive our sins. All we have to do is confess them. But so many people today are really deceiving themselves by saying, “I’m not that bad. I think the good things I do far outweigh the bad things.”

The truth isn’t in them. And even worse, they make God a liar. How tragic!

The Bible tells us that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). All have sinned. No one lives a “good enough” life. We all sin, and the only antidote to sin is salvation through the blood of Jesus.

It comes down to a matter of will. Are we willing to admit we sin? Are we willing to confess that sin to God? Are we willing to accept Jesus’ gift of salvation? A willing heart that confesses sin will be saved. God will forgive. He will cleanse from all unrighteousness.

Do you have a willing heart? Or do you think you’re good enough? If you have never accepted the gift of salvation, confess your sin to God right now. Ask Him to forgive you and cleanse you. Ask Him to take loving control of your life.

You won’t regret it.

Walk in Light (1 John 1:6-7)

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
(1 John 1:6-7, NASB)

John doesn’t pull any punches with these verses. And his words are highly prophetic, for we live in a society of “Christians.” Polls still show a high percentage of people in the US call themselves Christians. But they certainly don’t “walk in the Light.”

But even for those of us who are true Christ-followers, how often do we “walk in the darkness”? How many of us have a hidden sin—or maybe not so hidden? How many of us show one face to our Christian friends, yet yell at our spouses or belittle our children? How many of us serve our community, yet neglect our families?

Habitual sin is “walking in darkness.” And if we practice sin, we’re liars.

I don’t know about you, but I want to “walk in the Light.” I want to have “fellowship with one another.” I want Jesus to shine through me.

And I want to please Him by living as He would. I want to cast off anything that would keep me from being God’s servant. Because how can I do anything less? Jesus died for me, and His blood “cleanses us from all sin.”

So how can I continue to practice sin?

God Is Light! (1 John 1:5)

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
(1 John 1:5, NASB)

A long while ago, when Russ and I were on vacation, we visited some caverns. I can’t remember exactly where, but I do remember being down in a huge cave, and at one point, the tour guide turned out the lights. I’ve never been in any place so completely dark. No light anywhere. Not one smidgen (not sure I’ve ever used that word in a blog!).

Complete darkness.

Have you ever experienced complete darkness? Either literally or figuratively?

Other than that one time in the cave, I’ve never experienced complete darkness—literally, that is. But I’ve certainly experienced figurative darkness. Sometimes it was of my own making. Sometimes it was because of what others did.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you may remember my writing about experiences with sexual abuse. Although the Lord has given me “closure” about those times, I still recall a couple of incidences that were very dark.

You may also know I deal with four chronic health issues, and when all four hit at once, it can be very dark.

But guess what? I serve a God who is light. Pure light. When I’m suffering, when I’m uncertain, when the path before me seems dark, I can call to Him, and He’ll light my way. Now, I may only see a step or two in front of me, but that’s okay. Because I know He’s beside me, and I can trust Him to provide whatever light I need. For the moment.

If you’re in a dark place right now, call out to the One who is light. He’ll light your path and fill the darkness with His glory.

An Eyewitness Account (1 John 1:1-4)

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
(1 John 1:1-4, NASB)

For the next few weeks, we’re going to spend time with another of Jesus’ inner circle. John, the “beloved” disciple chosen by Jesus to care for His mother, walked by Jesus’ side for three years. He ate with Him. Learned from Him. Saw miracle upon miracle. John was Jesus’ intimate friend as well as a devoted follower.

He was an eyewitness. And what he wrote in this first of three short books is truth. The words come from a grateful heart, a joyful heart. And it was his deepest desire that others might know the truth of God—Father, Son, and Spirit.

Jesus. The Word of Life. Through Him we have eternal life. Through Him we have fellowship with the Father.

And John was blessed to have known Him well. And as we spend time reading and meditating on John’s words, we’ll know Him better as well.

Praise His Excellent Name (Ps. 8:6-9)

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
(Psalm 8:6-9, NKJV)

The psalmist continues his praise of God’s amazing love for His children. Everything in this world, everything we see, touch, hear, was created to please Him and delight us.

He gave humankind “dominion over” everything. We are more important to God than any animal, bird, or fish. We are the only of His creation made in His very image. He is our Father. Our Abba. Our Daddy. And like any loving Father, He made a wonderful environment for us to live in.

All for us.

So we can join in a heartfelt chorus: “O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!” Because, as amazing and wonderful this earth is, nothing is more amazing or wonderful than our Creator God. And we can speak His name with awe and joy and praise.

For His name is excellent, wonderful, worthy of praise. And worship. And honor. And glory.

Join in the chorus!

God Loves You! (Ps. 8:3-5)

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
(Psalm 8:3-5, NKJV)

When was the last time you sat and stared at a starlit sky? Marveled at its beauty? Considered the vastness of God’s creation?

It’s pretty humbling, isn’t it?

It’s time like this when the question of the psalmist becomes my question: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” In other words, “Why do you care about us? What’s so great about sinful, flawed us?”

The main reason? Because He loves us.

God, the Creator of all things, who set each star in its place, who created mountains and seas and deserts … He is mindful of me. He thinks of me. He loves me. Tiny-speck-of-a-person me. And He loves tiny-speck-of-a-person you, too. He has made us just lower than the flawless beings the Bible calls angels. And He honors us as His specially-created children.

Think about how much God loves you the next time you look at a starlit sky. Or an ocean. Or a mountain. Or a flower. Or even the reflection in your own mirror.

Infants' Gurgles and Toddlers' Songs (Ps. 8:2)

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
(Psalm 8:2, NKJV)

I often like to read different translations or paraphrases of a certain verse, and today’s verse speaks to me much more in The Message paraphrase:

Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you;
toddlers shout the songs
That drown out enemy talk,
and silence atheist babble.

Don’t you love it? I truly believe there is nothing more beautiful than the giggle of a precious infant. Or the off-key “Jesus wuvs me” sung by an adorable two year old.

And those sounds, those heart-lifting sounds, “drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.” Why? Because every time a baby is born, the intricacy and complexity of God’s creation is demonstrated once again. Tiny fingers. Tiny toes. Heart. Lungs. Eyes. A God-designed complete human being.

A miracle.

Non-believers can say what they will, but seriously, every infant, every toddler proclaims the existence of God. A loving, amazing, infinitely creative God.

Call Upon His Name (Ps. 8:1)

O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
(Psalm 8:1, NKJV)

One of the things I love most about the Bible is that God is called by many names. What I love about that is that I can find God by name in each and every situation. If I’m in pain, I can find Him by name. If I have a need, I can find Him by name. If I’m experiencing tremendous joy, I can find Him by name. If I’m lonely, I can find Him by name. This is such a blessing to my heart, and I hope it blesses your heart as well.

Let’s take a moment to look at how we can find God by name.

• When you feel lonely, remember that God sees you and is there for you. You can find Him by calling El Roi: the God who sees. (Genesis 16:13)
• When you have a need, remember that God will provide for you. You can find Him by calling Jehovah Jireh: the Lord will provide. (Genesis 22:14)
• When you’re in pain, remember that you can find Jehovah Rophe: the God who heals. (Exodus 15:26)
• When you’re frightened and unsure, remember that you can find the God who is your Refuge and your Strength. (Psalm 46:1)
• When you’re feeling stressed or out of control, remember that God will calm your spirit. You can find Him by calling Jehovah Shalom: the Lord is peace. (Judges 6:24)
• When you’re feeling unlovable and unloved, remember that you can find the God who is Love. (1 John 4:16)
• When you’re surrounded by darkness, remember that you can find the God who is light, and “in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

[Excerpted from The Best Laid Plans © 2005 by Sauni Rinehart]

Grow in Grace and Knowledge (2 Peter 3:17-18)

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
(2 Peter 3:17-18, NASB)

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.

Be Diligent (2 Peter 3:13-16)

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
(2 Peter 3:13-16, NASB)

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 yesterday, 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 yesterday, 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.

How Will You Live? (2 Peter 3:10-12)

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
(2 Peter 3:10-12, NASB)

Our Lord Jesus will return. He “will come like a thief” when we least expect Him. The old heavens and earth will pass away, and the new heaven and earth will be prepared for His followers (see Rev. 21).

Since we know this earth will soon “be burned up,” we should be very, very careful of how we live. Think about it. If Jesus were to return at any time, what do you want Him to find you doing? Gossiping? Lying? Stealing? Disregarding the needy? Or worse?

Or do you want Him to find you praying? Reading God’s word? Volunteering at a shelter? Encouraging someone? Loving, really loving, your spouse?

Pretty convicting, isn’t it?

I don’t know about you, but when I think in terms of Jesus coming back this day, it makes me want to live as closely to how He did as possible. It makes me want to manifest the fruit of the spirit rather than the sins of the flesh. I want to be loving, patient, and kind, not angry, immoral or jealous.

I want to know when I stand before the throne one day, I’ll hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

What about you? How will you live this day?

God is Patient (2 Peter 3:8-9)

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:8-9, NASB)

Ahh. Two of my most favorite verses. And wonderful words of encouragement for any of us who have family or friends who aren’t believers.

Many of us live by the calendar or by the clock. I confess: I’m one of them. I plan. I organize. I keep “to do” lists. And each day seems to fly. Seems like one day you’re graduating high school, and then the next, you’re 46 writing a daily blog … But as fast as time seems to soar by, it’s nothing to God.

He’s not hampered by time as we are. He can be as patient as He wants. Which is why this earth still exists. Which is why He hasn’t fulfilled His promise of Christ’s return. Because it's His desire that everyone—everyone—“come to repentance.” He wants to give each and every person a chance to find Him.

So we who know Him can be encouraged. God still has His heart set on your friend, your family member’s coming to know Him. And He’s given us the chance to be Jesus to that friend, that family member. He’s allowed us time to tell truth.

But remember: One day, time as we know it will end. God’s patience will end. Jesus will return.

Don’t waste time. Make each moment count. And continue to share God’s truth. Each and every day.

In the Last Days (2 Peter 3:3-7)

Know this first of all, that in the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
(2 Peter 3:3-7 NASB)

I’ve probably written this before, but anyone who reads the Bible—really reads it—cannot deny its truth. Prophecy upon prophecy fulfilled. Prophecy upon prophecy to be fulfilled. And both Peter and Paul prophesied how it would be in the “last days.”

In these verses, Peter predicted that many will mock the God of Christianity by saying, “You say Jesus is coming again. They’ve been saying that for generations, and nothing.” And isn’t true? Mockers right and left. The earth just “happened” (see blog on 6/26). There is no truth, no morality.

“It escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago …” God created heavens and earth. He created the first man and woman and gave them the choice to follow Him. When they chose their own way, mankind separated from its Creator. But God had a plan to reconcile with His created. First through sacrifice of a spotless lamb; then through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Isaiah prophesied Christ’s first coming. And it happened. Paul and John prophesied of His second coming. It will happen.

Let the mockers say what they will. The Bible is truth. Christ will return. So what should we who know truth do? Take every opportunity to tell others exactly what the Bible says—about the past and what has happened, and about the future and what will happen.

Remember (2 Peter 3:1-2)

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.
(2 Peter 3:1-2 NASB)

Remember.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are encouraged to remember. How God guided Abraham and named him the father of His own people. How, even through incredible adversity, Joseph was the key to saving countless people. How the Israelites were saved from slavery, walking through the Red Sea on dry land, fed each day.

Remember.

We too are encouraged to remember. “Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus said as He broke bread with His disciples (Luke 22:19, NKJV). “He is not here, but He is risen! Remember how He spoke to you …” (Luke 24:6, NKJV). We must “… remember the words of the Lord Jesus …” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).

Remember.

Paul exhorted his readers, then and now: “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead …” (1 Timothy, 2:8, NKJV). And we’re told to “… remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ …” (Jude 1:17, NKJV).

Remember.

The only way to remember God’s commandments, His encouragements, His provision, is to spend time—quality time—in His word. And the best way to remember His blessings in your own life is to write things down. Journal. Have a blessings notebook. Keep a calendar where you can jot down what God has taught you or done for you.

And remember how much God loves you.

The Beauty of God's Creation

[To my regular readers: I’m detouring briefly from 2 Peter. Join me tomorrow as we continue that journey.]

In April, my husband and I went to Oregon to celebrate the marriage of our nephew, Tim, to his new bride, Mary. We flew up a few days early to spend some time at Historic Columbia River. We enjoyed the beautiful, lush green surrounding us. We were awe-struck by incredible cascades of water.

And as I reveled in the beauty, I thanked God for His creation. All the amazing things He created just for our enjoyment.

This weekend, we’re visiting another niece and nephew, Beth and Jack, in Park City, Utah. We just came back from a 45-minute hike, and again, I marveled at the beauty of the mountains and valley. And again, I thanked God for His creation.

I've been blessed to travel to quite a few places on this earth, and every time I visit somewhere different, I’m amazed anew that He chose to create such diversity and creativity—just to please us. And I wonder: How can anyone deny an intelligent designer? Even if they don’t believe in the God of the Bible, how can people look at the complexity of the eye or the magnificence of the ocean or the grandeur of the mountains, and think it just “happened.”

I love the analogy of looking at a piece of art. Would anyone think it just happened? No, they’d know someone created it. So how can we look at the art that is this world and think it created itself?

The earth itself points to a Creator. And I happen to believe with all my heart that the God of the Bible truly did create the heavens and the earth. With all my heart.

Now I’m going out with Russ, Beth, and Jack to see more of God’s beauty!

Returning to the World (2 Peter 2:20-22)

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire."
(2 Peter 2:20-22, NASB)

What about those who’ve learned of Jesus and have heard God’s truth? And they’ve gained “knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Maybe they’ve gone to church. Maybe they’ve even joined a small group. But somehow, the world entices them yet again.

I experienced this when, after asking Jesus to come into my heart at six, I allowed the abuse I endured to take me away from my faith. While it wasn’t exactly the world that pulled me away, I fell into its grasping claws for a while. For about 20 years, in fact. Praise God, this prodigal daughter found her way back to truth, and the last almost 17 years have been an amazing journey of seeking and finding God’s will.

But there are those who turn completely away from that truth. For whatever reason, they have found the attraction of the world so seductive, they fall into a “state worse for them than the first.” They, as Peter illustrated with graphic words, embrace the world like a “dog returns to its own vomit.” Gross, but true.

I have to wonder at the state of their heart. And I have to pray they’ll find their way out of the muck and recognize the world really has nothing of worth to offer. Absolutely nothing.

Enslaved (2 Peter 2:17-19)

These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.
(2 Peter 2:17-19 NASB)

Peter used such descriptive language to describe those who choose not to follow God’s truth.

They are “springs without water …” They’re dry, useless, even harmful as others are drawn to their shores with the hope of quenching thirst—and there’s no water to be found.

They are “mists drive by a storm …” They themselves have no real influence, but the storm that drives them—sin—is powerful and enticing. They are shrouded in “black darkness.”

In their arrogance and vanity, they entice others, who are drawn in to the lure of flesh and sensuality. And this doesn’t just mean sexual sin. It means addictions to food or drugs or alcohol. It means being totally absorbed by media or television or the internet. Anything that pulls a person away from truth.

And then the sad part: Those who choose the attraction of sin think they’re free. They can do whatever they want whenever they want with whomever they want. But they’re really slaves. They’re tied and bound by whatever has entrapped them.

Because it’s very true: “… for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.”

What “enslaves” you? Your flesh? Or the truth of God’s grace, mercy, and love. In history, slaves didn’t have a choice of who or what enslaved them. You do.

Choose wisely.

Pray for a Broken Heart (2 Peter 2:12-16)

But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.
(2 Peter 2:12-16, NASB)

My goodness … I think Peter had some pretty strong opinions about willful sinners!

It would be easy to say, “Well, they’ll get what they deserve.” But really? Verses like these should break our hearts. Generation after generation of sin and corruption have so infiltrated the hearts of men and women, they don’t know how far they have fallen from God’s ideal. And like “unreasoning animals,” they follow their baser instincts and “revel” in their sin.

They don’t know truth.

This should make those of us who know truth want to share it wherever and with whomever we can. We should boldly and lovingly proclaim God’s grace and mercy. We should joyfully tell how God has blessed us. We should shine the love of Jesus—not judging, not criticizing, not thinking we’re any better than they are.

Does your heart break for the lost? For those who seek something, and try to fill the empty spaces of their hearts with drugs or alcohol or sensuality? Oh, pray for God to break your heart and to give you boldness and love to share Him and the amazing grace He offers.

History Repeats Itself (2 Peter 2:4-11)

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority, daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.
(2 Peter 2:4-11, NASB)

King Solomon wrote, “…there is nothing new under the sun,” (Ecc. 1:9) and it’s so very true. Sometimes we think we live in the vilest, most corrupt time in history, but truly? This world has seen some really vile, corrupt stuff. Seriously, God destroyed all but a handful of people because of their depravity.

So why should we be surprised at the actions of those living today? The only real difference is mass media puts all the “yuck” of the world right in our faces. You can’t even check your email without seeing the latest headline about abuse, murder, sexual sin, moral decline … It’s all around us.

And it can be a bit depressing to see wickedness seemingly prevail.

Ah, but we can’t forget the most important thing. Our holy God is in absolute control. He will judge the sinner and rescue the saint. One day—and only the Father knows when—God the Son will return to earth and gather up those who chose to follow Him. Then our God will judge all who chose not to follow Him. And every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ, God the Son, is Lord. And God the Father will be glorified. (See Phil. 2:10-11.)

One day, all the “yuck” will be forever gone. And we’ll live eternally praising and glorifying our holy God.

And all I can say? “Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

True or False (2 Peter 2:1-3)

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
(2 Peter 2:1-3, NASB)

I read these words, and it’s as though Peter had a view into our world today. False prophets and teachers introducing “destructive heresies.” Many who call themselves Christians say that Jesus is just one way to heaven. Or that the Bible was inspired by God, yes, but with so many copies and translations, it’s certainly not infallible; therefore, you can pick and choose what you want to believe.

Then there are the “religions” who deny Christ as Messiah. He was merely a good man or a wise teacher. But not the Savior. And if Jesus isn’t Savior and if the Bible is open for interpretation, then anything goes. And again, even those who call them Christians see nothing wrong with “sensual” behavior that goes against the Bible because the “truth [is] maligned.”

Finally, so many people are being “exploited with false words.” They’re asked to give to a cause or invest in a plan … and find out later they’ve been scammed. Church leaders live in mansions and drive Mercedes when their congregants are still striving for “prosperity.”

It can be quite painful to watch how God’s word is being relegated to just a nice book with some good sayings, and our Savior is just a good man. But we know that God will judge those who have willfully skewed His word. And we pray that those who are sincerely seeking the one true God will find Him, that they will look beyond the misguided and downright liars and find truth. Real truth.

God's Inspired Word (2 Peter 1:19-21)

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
(2 Peter 1:19-21, NASB)

These verses are full of richness and affirmation and explanation.

First, Peter reminds us that we can be assured the “prophetic word” in God’s word is “sure.” It is a “lamp shining in a dark place.”

Next, he asserts that any prophecy in God’s word is God’s. Not man’s. Each and every word in the Bible was inspired by God. They were written by men, yes, but they were “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Many skeptics claim that the Bible is full of contradictions or that so many translations or interpretations have diluted its original meaning. But I believe, just as the Spirit wrote through the pens of men, He worked through the pens of those who faithfully copied each word. And He continues to work through interpreters or translators today.

We can be assured that God’s is truth. We read His words. We learn about Him and His will.

Bottom line? We can fully trust His word.

Truth (2 Peter 1:16-18)

For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"—and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
(2 Peter 1:16-18, NASB)

I love these verses! I know I write that a lot, but there’s so much to love about God’s word!

Peter tells us truth. Everything he writes is truth. He’s not relating folklore or fairy tales. He’s sharing what he himself witnessed.

He was with Jesus during His earthly ministry. He was with Jesus and watched Him heal and raise from the dead. He was with Jesus when He taught kingdom truths.

He was with Jesus when the soldiers arrested Him. And with heart breaking, Peter remembered not being with Jesus during the horrific trial and execution.

But he experienced forgiveness, and he was with Jesus during His last days on earth. He was with Jesus when the Father blessed the Son. He was with Jesus when He ascended into heaven.

Peter was with Jesus. So everything he wrote was truth, based on fact. Based on his own experience. Based on his eye-witness. We can trust what he writes. We can learn from his words. Because it’s true.

In this Earthly Dwelling (2 Peter 1:13-15)

I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.
(2 Peter 1:13-15, NASB)

“… as long as I am in this earthly dwelling …”

Our Lord God knows the number of our days. He alone knows how long we’ll be in our “earthly dwelling.” Some of us will live into our 8th or 9th decades as my grandparents all did. Some of us will go to heaven much younger.

The important thing to remember is as long as we’re here, as long as God keeps us on earth, we need to be diligent in pursuing God’s call on our lives, purposeful in using our God-given gifts, and bold in sharing our faith.

And we can be confident that—however many days God has planned for us—if we focus on Him and make Him our priority, we’ll stand before Him and hear “well done, my faithful child.”

Isn’t that what you want to hear? Don’t you want to know that while in your “earthly dwelling” you delighted your Father? The only way to do so is to do all those things Peter mentioned in verses 5-7.

Or at least prayerfully attempt to do them. Every day God gives you.

Be Reminded (1 Peter 1:12)

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
(2 Peter 1:12, NASB)

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 the word jog your memory. Let other believers help remind you of what you already know to be true.

Practice Godly Things (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
(2 Peter 1:10-11, NASB)

You have been called and chosen to serve God. He has uniquely designed you to work for His kingdom in a way no one else can. Whatever you’re doing—teaching Sunday school, volunteering at the local shelter, singing on the worship team, sweeping up the church lobby—God has invited you to join Him in His plan.

You may feel like anyone could do what you do … but they can’t. Not the way God has called and gifted you. You’ll always perform whatever task or service you do in your unique way.

But Peter has given us a very important key: It’s when we practice all those things he talked about—self-control, kindness, brotherly love—that we’re able to accomplish all God has called us to do. Practice these things.

Have you ever acted in a play? You have rehearsal after rehearsal after rehearsal. You practice. And it’s only by practicing that you are able to become your character. In the same way, if you practice godly things, you’ll develop godly character.

And the reward for all this practice? You’ll be more and more like Christ on earth, and then you’ll have the “entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Eternity with our Lord and Savior!

So practice, practice, practice. Play your role, whatever it might be, with diligence.

Useful and Fruitful (2 Peter 1:8-9)

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
(2 Peter 1:8-9, NASB)

The exhortation continues …

Not only should we have all the qualities we talked about yesterday, but they should also be increasing in us. But look at the outcome: We will be useful and fruitful. If we're increasing in our knowledge of Christ, our perseverance, our brotherly love, God will use us to build His kingdom.

What a gift!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at two women’s groups. I was so blessed when some of the women told me how God had inspired them, encouraged them. It’s amazing to me when I think that God chooses to use the broken and flawed to fulfill His purpose. Each time I have the wonderful gift to speak, I’m humbly grateful. He’s made me useful and fruitful.

But Peter doesn’t stop there. And this is the heartbreaking part of these verses. If we “lack these qualities,” we are blind. We have “forgotten [our] purification from … former sins.”

Oh, may that never be true! May we never forget what Christ has done for us! May our remembering His sacrifice on our behalf create in us an urgency to be all those things: loving, patient, kind, growing in knowledge.

It’s the least we can do to show our gratitude.

Not Alone (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
(2 Peter 1:5-7, NASB)

Wow. I don’t know about you, but there are sometimes (many times) when I read the Bible, and I think, “There’s no way I can do this. I’m just too weak (or prideful or stubborn or weary).” I read today’s verses, and I think, “There’s no way I can do this. I’m just too inadequate.”

I mean really. Read those verses again. Peter exhorts us to moral excellence. To knowledge. To self-control … perseverance … godliness … brotherly kindness … love.

Oh my goodness. Seriously? Now, there are a couple of these attributes that I pray I manifest regularly. I pray I’m kind to my brothers and sisters. I genuinely love others. I strive to grow in knowledge of my Lord. But self-control? Moral excellence? Perseverance?

I really am inadequate. But guess what? I don’t have to do this on my own. The Holy Spirit is in me to help me. When I struggle with impatience, I can ask for patience. When I’m tempted to sin, I can ask for the strength to withstand that temptation. When I just want to give up, I can ask for stamina to accomplish what God has called me to do.

Yes, the Bible often convicts me, and I often feel I’m incapable. And I am. On my own, that is. Praise my Lord God, I’m not alone.

And neither are you.

The Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4)

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
(2 Peter 1:4, NASB)

Oh, what an amazingly gracious and loving God we serve! He, knowing the choice Adam and Eve would make, still created them. He, knowing the choices we’d make, still created us. He gave us a beautiful world. He made trees and flowers, seas and mountains. So much to bring us joy. He loves us that much.

Yesterday, I was on a picnic with three young women I’ve “adopted,” and as we chatted, I couldn’t stop looking around me. The green majestic trees. The blue, blue sky speckled with wispy clouds. The ducks gliding lazily on the pond. Such beauty. Created just for me.

But creating this beautiful world isn’t the most amazing thing. Instead of giving us what we deserve—divine punishment—He gives us what we don’t deserve—His divine nature.

He loves us so much He wants to make us more and more like Jesus Christ, God the Son. He gives us His written word. He gives us brothers and sisters in Him. And He molds and refines us daily to be “partakers of the divine nature.”

Amazing.

A Letter of Encouragement (2 Peter 1:1-3)

Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
(2 Peter 1:1-3, NASB)

Letter writing is a lost art. And that’s kind of sad. We live in a world of email, texts, and instant messages. Nothing is being written down any more. Our children—and their children—won’t find a stack of letters wrapped in ribbon chronicling their parents’ courtship. Generations to come won’t read of friendships from a distance.

And it is sad. Think about it. What if Paul or Peter or John didn’t write letters? What if they’d lived in a time of IMs? What a loss that would be.

Today we start digging into 2 Peter, and from the first few verses, we are immediately encouraged. Read through these verses again. Peter prays for multiplied grace and peace. Overwhelming, abundant grace. Soul-soothing peace. And how are these multiplied? Through the “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Knowing God—Father, Son, and Spirit—more and more intimately day by day.

And why should we desire that knowledge? Because He loves us and “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness …” Our glorified, excellent Father God grants us life. He provides for our needs. And He grows us daily to be more godly, more like Christ. But we must seek to know Him more. And that means spending time in His word. Time communing with Him in prayer. Time worshipping with other believers.

And maybe time writing down what God has done in our lives. Maybe writing a letter? With a pen? On paper? Just a thought.

He Is God. I Am Not. (Ps. 9:19-20)

Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail;
Let the nations be judged before You.
Put them in fear, O LORD;
Let the nations know that they are but men. Selah.
(Psalm 9:19-20, NASB)

There’s Steven Curtis Chapman song that says, “You are God, and I am not.” Jehovah God is the Creator. We are the created. He is infinite. We are finite. He is Savior. We are sinner.

Yet, we live in a world where a lot of people think they can be their own gods. They're self-sufficient. They're in control. They’re more than mere men—or so they think. But they're sadly—and eternally—mistaken.

I believe with all I am there is one God and one only. And I believe with all I am He’s the God of the Bible. There is no other. And man (and I’m using the generic “man”) certainly isn’t god—in any way, shape or form. It saddens me that we live in a nation where God has been neglected or forgotten or outright denied. And it may take God’s having to “put them in fear” for this nation to “know that they are but men.”

He’s chastised nations that have rejected Him in the past. He may just have to do the same with us … and perhaps He already is. Financial crises. Political scandals. Oil spills. Hmmm. Perhaps He’s trying to get our attention. And I haven’t even mentioned all the natural disasters we’ve had lately.

We need a reawakening. We need a revival. We need to remember that we are but men.

Not Without Hope (Ps. 9:18)

For the needy will not always be forgotten,
Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever.
(Psalm 9:18, NASB)

I’m not needy in the sense I have little or no material possessions. I’m blessed with shelter and food and clothing—those things the Lord promises to provide for His children. I’m not afflicted in the sense that enemies are on my doorstep day and night. I’m equally blessed to live in a nation where I can worship freely and live in freedom.

But I am needy. I need grace. I need strength. I need God to hold me up and sometimes even carry me.

And I am afflicted. I’ve often written about some chronic health problems I deal with. There are days when I honestly struggle to get out of bed. Just lately, I’ve had more of those days than not.

Yet, I have hope. I know I’m not forgotten. I know my Abba wraps His arms of love around me. I know He has a purpose even for my pain.

What do you need today? How are you afflicted? Do you feel forgotten? Are you without hope?

If you’re a child of God, if you’ve accepted the free gift of salvation through His Son, you are not forgotten. You are not without hope. Lay all your burdens at the foot of God’s throne. Trust that He really will work all things out for good. And one day, when you stand before that throne, you can be confident you’ll never need, never hurt, never cry—ever again.

A Convicted Heart (Ps. 9:17)

The wicked will return to Sheol,
Even all the nations who forget God.
(Psalm 9:17, NASB)

These are very sobering words—or they should be. One day, every person who chooses not to follow the one true God will forever reside in Sheol—hell. Whether you believe in a literal “fire and brimstone” hell, countless will experience an even greater suffering: eternal separation from their loving God. Forever separated. How heartbreaking.

We who know the truth need to share it with everyone. We need to do all we possibly can to keep others from that eternal separation. My mother-in-law had a neighbor who has such a heart for Jesus. One of her first questions to people is “Are you a Christian?” And if they’re not, she sweetly and lovingly befriends them. Not pushing her faith, but making sure they know truth.

I’m convicted. I’m never that bold, but I need to be. I need to take every opportunity to share truth. I don’t want to be the reason someone doesn’t hear about the love of God and His grace and mercy.

Help me, Lord, to be bold to tell Your truth whenever and wherever I can. Let me be light in a dark world. Let me be Your voice. Your hands. Your feet. Amen.

Make the Right Choice (Ps. 9:15-16)

The nations have sunk down in the pit which they have made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot has been caught.
The LORD has made Himself known;
He has executed judgment.
In the work of his own hands the wicked is snared.
Higgaion Selah.
(Psalm 9:15-16, NASB)

The Lord God loves us so much. He loves us so much He’s given us a choice: Follow Him or follow the world. And because He loves us so much, He honors the choice we make. If someone ends up separated from God for eternity, it’s because she has made a choice to do so. It’s the “pit which [she has] made … the net which [she] hid.”

No one will be able to say, “I didn’t know.” God truly has “made Himself known.” Through His creation. Through the testimonies of His children. Through so-called coincidences. So when judgment is one day executed, it will be just. It will be according to each person’s choice.

What choice have you made? What choice will you make? Are you going to sink into your own pit? Or will you accept truth? See the amazing intricacy of God’s creation. Listen to stories of men and women of true faith. Remember how God has worked miraculously.

And remember this: If you’ve never made a choice to follow God, you’ve already made your choice. Oh, choose wisely, my friend. Choose Him today.

Tell of His Praises (Ps. 9:13-14)

Be gracious to me, O LORD;
See my affliction from those who hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of death,
That I may tell of all Your praises,
That in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in Your salvation.
(Psalm 9:13-14, NASB)

Last night, I had the unique privilege of listening to a story. You may be familiar with Teen Challenge, an international organization that ministers to gang members and addicts. It started back in the 50s when a rural preacher, David Wilkerson, felt called to reach out to “the least of these” in New York City. One of "these" was Nicky Cruz.

It was Nicky’s story I listened to last night. This is a man who knows what it means to have been “lifted up from the gates of death.” He was a hard-core gang leader. He even laughed at the sight of blood. But he met Jesus, and he’s spent his life doing exactly what the psalmist did: “tell of all [God’s] praises” and, last night, he proudly and boldly rejoiced in God’s salvation.

It was inspirational. And it reminded me of what I wrote yesterday. Because Nicky was willing to tell his story, countless people have come to know Jesus, and countless others have been inspired and challenged. Now you may not speak in front of crowds of hundreds or thousands, but you too can inspire and challenge others.

Tell your story. Tell of His praises. Rejoice in His salvation. You’ll touch lives. Guaranteed!

God's Stories (Ps. 9:11-12)

Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion;
Declare among the peoples His deeds.
For He who requires blood remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
(Psalm 9:11-12, NASB)

Two of my favorite things: singing praises to my Lord and declaring to others what He’s done in my life.

What a blessing to know when I do either, I’m obeying commandments! I’ve been equally blessed when I listen to others sing. And hearing how God has worked in others’ lives? I love it! My church began a “Kingdom Assignment” a few months ago, and this last Sunday, several of our congregation shared what God had done. It was such an amazing blessing!

How often do you tell your own story? And how often do you really listen to how God has worked in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ?

If you want to be inspired or encouraged or convicted, listen to those stories. Read biographies of men and women of faith. Your faith will grow. And you will be blessed.

My Stronghold (Ps. 9:9-10)

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
(Psalm 9:9-10, NASB)

Oh, how I love the opening words of these verses. The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

I’m not oppressed by a human enemy or tyrant, but living with chronic health issues can definitely be oppressive. Anyone who deals with the same problem knows exactly what I mean. So often, chronic ill health takes over one’s life. From the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep, my body reminds me of its aches and pains. I can’t ever forget.

But I’m not alone in my pain. God is with me. And it’s that confidence that allows me to make it through each day. And not just make it, but thrive.

I put my trust in my Lord because He’s been overwhelmingly faithful. He’s never left my side. He’s never forsaken me. Even when I turned my back on Him, He never left me. He’s too loving and gracious to even think of leaving His children.

I hope you’re as comforted by these words as I am. Never forget your stronghold.

Our Forever God (Ps. 9:7-8)

But the LORD abides forever;
He has established His throne for judgment,
And He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.
(Psalm 9:7-8, NASB)

These verses touch my heart. In fact, I want to add them to my list of scriptures I want to memorize. They’re encouraging and affirming and confidence-building.

The Lord abides forever. Our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God is eternal. He’s always been and always will be.

He has established His throne for judgment. Every single person who’s lived, is now living, or will live in the future will stand before God’s throne. Each of us will either be judged for what we didn’t do (accept God’s gift of salvation) or awarded for what we did do (those things believers did to serve God and others).

And He will judge the world in righteousness. God is holy, righteous. We can be assured God will judge each of us through His heart of righteousness, through His eyes of love.

He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity. And in His righteousness, He’ll judge fairly. He’ll honor the decision many will make: To follow Him. He’ll equally honor the decision many others will make: To reject Him.

So when you feel overwhelmed by life, when it seems the enemy is winning, remember: Our eternal God truly is in control. He is righteous and just. And fair. And loving.

What a good God we serve!

The Very Memory (Ps. 9:4-6)

For You have maintained my just cause;
You have sat on the throne judging righteously.
You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.
The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins,
And You have uprooted the cities;
The very memory of them has perished.
(Psalm 9:4-6, NASB)

I don’t know if David meant them to be, but these verses are quite prophetic. If you read about the nations that fought against Israel in David’s time, you’ll see that many of them don’t exist any longer.

I read these verses, though, and they become quite personal. I encourage you to read them the same way.

I’ve had “enemies.” I’ve faced the “wicked.” I’ve been attacked and abused. And even though I may not have seen it at the time, God always “maintained my just cause.” He always had my back, as they say. And although my own enemies may not have been destroyed, God has been gracious and has taken away the “very memory.” Or should I say, He’s taken away the power of those memories.

God continues to sit on His throne “judging righteously,” and I’m confident that one day anyone who hurt me, who hurt you, will be judged.

In the meantime, let God take the “very memory” of your own enemies from your heart and mind. Let Him remove the anger or unforgiveness you feel and replace it with His peace, His joy.

When my enemies turn back,
They stumble and perish before You.
(Psalm 9:3, NASB)

We think we live in turbulent times … and we do indeed. However, if you read the Old Testament, you’ll see what turbulence times really were. David certainly knew turbulence. Constant wars. Enemies chasing him, seeking his death.

But he also knew God’s faithfulness. He knew he was God’s anointed king, and even through his sin and its consequences, David was confident in God’s ultimate protection. Time and time again, David prayed for victory over his enemies, and time and time again, God answered his prayer.

But not always. Sometimes the enemy won.

And sometimes the enemy seems to win against us as well. How often has someone hurt you or maligned you or tried to destroy you? And the enemy wins—or at least it appears so. We pray that he’ll stumble, yet he doesn’t.

At those times, the only thing we can do is exactly what David did: Cry out to God and trust He’ll protect us—whether or not our enemy stumbles or turns back.

And remember God is the ultimate Victor!

Telling God's Story (Ps. 9:1-2)

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
I will tell of all Your wonders.
I will be glad and exult in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
(Psalm 9:1-2, NASB)

What a wonderful privilege we have to serve the Sovereign Creator, the one true God, the Savior of mankind. He—the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God—can be known by those who choose to follow Him. He is personal. He desires a relationship with us. He’s not some far-off, disinterested God. Rather, He allows Himself to be intimately known.

How can we help but praise Him?

That’s why I love so many of the psalms. The words of gratitude and praise are so encouraging—and sometimes convicting.

Take the opening verses of Psalm 19. I too can give thanks to the Lord with all my heart. I am glad and exult in Him. I do sing praises to His name.

The conviction? Those words, “I will tell of all Your wonders.”

He is a wonderful, amazing God. He blesses beyond expectation. He carries me through the darkest valleys. He causes even the most difficult moments to turn out for good. He loves me as His own daughter.

Yet, how often to I tell others of “all [His] wonders”? Not often enough. I remember hearing someone ask, “If you had a cure for cancer, wouldn’t you tell everyone you knew?” I have the “cure” for soul cancer. I have the best story to tell.

And I need to tell it much more often.

Lord God, I do thank You and praise You. I do give You glory. Please continue to convict my heart to tell Your story to anyone who’ll listen, so they might give You glory as well. Amen.