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2 Peter 1 - Day 603 (link to today's reading)
Summary (by Chuck Swindol): Peter’s theme in his second letter is a simple one: pursue spiritual maturity through the Word of God as a remedy for false teaching and a right response to heretics in light of Christ’s promised second coming (2 Peter 1:3, 16). When false teachers begin to whisper their sweet words into the ears of immature Christians, the body of Christ begins to break apart, to lose what makes it distinctive in the first place—faith in the unique person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter repeatedly points to the Word of God as the primary means of growth for the Christian (1:4, 19–21; 3:1–2, 14–16). Peter encouraged his readers to apply themselves to acquiring the true knowledge of God and living out the life of faith with “all diligence,” so that they may “be found by [Jesus] in peace, spotless and blameless” (1:5; 3:14). And if believers did not follow his advice, they would be giving their Christian community over to the heretics, people who look to “exploit . . . with false words” (2:3). Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9 Application: Faith is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger you get. Likewise, if you don't exercise your faith then atrophy will set in and what strength you did have will waste away. Prayer: Lord, help me to grow in You... 1 Peter 5 - Day 602 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5b-6Observation: Yesterday Peter taught us that love is the answer. Today, he reveals that ‘humility’ is the key to finding the answer. Application: Peter was the disciple that often stuck his own foot in his mouth. He was brash, opinionated and often acted before thinking. When the soldiers came for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, Peter was the one who drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. He was also the disciple who told Jesus, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will” (Matthew 26:33) but later denied that he knew Jesus 3 times.Appropriately, Peter instructs us to choose humility and when we choose to do so, we'll be rewarded with God’s grace. Prayer: Lord, thank You for choosing Peter to be one of Your closest disciples, and for teaching us that You will meet us where we are as well but love us too much to leave us there. 1 Peter 4 - Day 601 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8 Observation: Love is the answer. Application: When we choose to love, we choose God. In love, we choose: to humble ourselves, to cast aside anger, to think of others and what’s best for them instead of what we want, etc. Hence, when we choose love instead of self-preservation, we strip Satan and his minions of their weaponry. Our enemy’s weapons are obvious because they have been tested throughout the ages. The devil uses pride, anger, fear, lust, envy, doubt, and revenge because theses tools work. Now, think of a situation when you chose love instead of anger (or any of Satan’s other weapons). What happened? Your anger lost its grip and slowly disappeared, for the Bible tells us that God is love. Choose God today. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You meet me where I am. Thank You for loving me too much to leave me there. 1 Peter 3 - Day 600 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-12 Observation: Peter gives husbands and wives practical advice on how to live in harmony. Application: I want to be happy, more than I want to be "right." This simple thought has helped me grow tremendously as a husband and father. There are times when I need to serve my family by courageously leading my wife and children to God's best for our lives but more often than not, I just need to chill and allow God to do His thing. Prayer: Lord, I entrust my family to You, have Your way in and through us... 1 Peter 2 - Day 599 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25 Observation: Like the Apostle Paul, Peter instructs slaves (indentured servants) to submit to their masters, as Christ submitted to God. Application: It’s been said that Martin Luther was a pacifist and would not defend himself from anyone intent on harming him. However, it was his duty to protect his fellow Christian brothers and sisters from any would-be assailant. Huh. Meaning that we’re not to defend ourselves but it’s our duty to defend others who are not able to stand up for themselves. Prayer: Lord have mercy on me. Draw me closer to You and teach me how to die to my self-righteous ways and to stop thinking of myself but to live in You... |
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January 2024
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