You ought to live holy and godly lives
as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come.
2 Peter 3:11-12
Our souls, like our mind and body, can have warning signs indicating the existence of a serious illness. A prolonged fever or persistent cough will send us to the doctor’s office for diagnosis and treatment. Counseling is sought as we struggle to cope with anger or depression resulting from a traumatic event. Likewise, warning signs exist for a believer with weakening faith. Evil desires distract, impatient voices
plead, and the miracle of creation is taken for granted.
Are you losing focus in your faith? Peter writes, “Recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:2). Self-serving, ungodly men will criticize scripture and make fun of your faith. These “scoffers” assume God’s patience is proof of his neglect. Don’t succumb to their destructive reasoning. Have you invested yourself too much in the here-and-now? Don’t forget that everything you see will be destroyed. Are you satisfied with your present life and fearful of the next life? You’ve got it backwards.
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, offers words of encouragement to the faith community. He wants Christians to be prepared and, moreover, eagerly anticipate the Lord’s certain return. Are you showing signs of an unhealthy faith? Wake from your state of slumber. Don’t live your life satisfied and unrepentant. Renew your emotions and interest for holy living. Remember God’s promised salvation and be inspired. Refocus your priorities, avoiding the distractions. Peter’s words are “reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (2 Peter 3:1).
Prayer
Our God, we believe your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We ask you to help us to hold fast to your great and precious promises. Help us to fully participate in your divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Encourage our hearts, as we eagerly anticipate the Lord’s certain return and our rich welcome into your eternal kingdom. We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas
as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come.
2 Peter 3:11-12
Our souls, like our mind and body, can have warning signs indicating the existence of a serious illness. A prolonged fever or persistent cough will send us to the doctor’s office for diagnosis and treatment. Counseling is sought as we struggle to cope with anger or depression resulting from a traumatic event. Likewise, warning signs exist for a believer with weakening faith. Evil desires distract, impatient voices
plead, and the miracle of creation is taken for granted.Are you losing focus in your faith? Peter writes, “Recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:2). Self-serving, ungodly men will criticize scripture and make fun of your faith. These “scoffers” assume God’s patience is proof of his neglect. Don’t succumb to their destructive reasoning. Have you invested yourself too much in the here-and-now? Don’t forget that everything you see will be destroyed. Are you satisfied with your present life and fearful of the next life? You’ve got it backwards.
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, offers words of encouragement to the faith community. He wants Christians to be prepared and, moreover, eagerly anticipate the Lord’s certain return. Are you showing signs of an unhealthy faith? Wake from your state of slumber. Don’t live your life satisfied and unrepentant. Renew your emotions and interest for holy living. Remember God’s promised salvation and be inspired. Refocus your priorities, avoiding the distractions. Peter’s words are “reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (2 Peter 3:1).
Prayer
Our God, we believe your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We ask you to help us to hold fast to your great and precious promises. Help us to fully participate in your divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Encourage our hearts, as we eagerly anticipate the Lord’s certain return and our rich welcome into your eternal kingdom. We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas
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