He is Patient

Saturday's full reading: 2 Peter 3:1-18

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Consider, for a moment, the many times you have heard the story of Jesus Christ, how he came to earth, lived a perfect life, was publicly murdered though totally un-deserving, rose from the grave three days later, and appeared to hundreds of people (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) Consider the fact that you have heard the truth that Jesus is God's one and only Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The sad reality is that there are millions of guilty sinful people across the world who desperately need Jesus to be their Savior and yet they have not heard that simple message. If you are wondering why we are still here, and why ultimate judgment has not yet come to the world, it is because the Lord is patient and he desires that all will come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for His patience and love. Surrender your future to accomplishing the mission of the Church and His will for your life.

The Lord Knows How to Rescue

Friday's full reading: 2 Peter 2:1-22

"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell...if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others...if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes...and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man...if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority." (2 Peter 2:4-10 NIV)

God is and will always be the Judge of the universe. He cares about every single event and detail of our lives. This is why we should leave all such judgments in His capable hands. Furthermore, as the scriptures so clearly remind us, our God is to be trusted; He knows how to rescue the godly and He is fully capable of accomplishing His purposes in and through our lives.

Today, as an act of worship, trust the Lord to act on behalf of His glory in the trials we face.

Add to Your Faith

Thursday's full reading: 2 Peter 1:1-21

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV)

Today, as you read these words, embrace the idea of growing in your faith everyday. Christ never intends for us to stay the same, but to be transformed continually into His likeness. As an act of worship, praise Him for the ongoing work of his Spirit.

Secrets of the Vine

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Many years ago I committed this verse to memory. It has served me well. The truth revealed in its words is timely for the church at large and the individual Christian. Read it again. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Now break it down into small phrases and weigh out the truth.

"I am the vine..."
Jesus is the vine. He is our link to God. He makes the way for us to have a relationship with God. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)

"you are the branches..."
In Christ, we are extensions of God. We serve as his hands and feet. Our purpose in life is to do his will and obey his Word. "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." (John 14:23)

"If a man remains in me and I in him..."
We must remain connected to him. It is absolutely vital that we are constantly communing with God through Jesus (the vine) if we are going to do his will. Which will bring him glory by bearing fruit for his kingdom. "See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—even eternal life." (1 John 2:24-25)

"he will bear much fruit..."
Our lives will bring him glory by bearing the fruit of the Spirit and making disciples of all nations. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

"apart from me you can do nothing."
Simply put, we can do nothing without Christ. Sadly, it is entirely possible for Christ to use us to bring glory to the Father and we totally miss it; we never see it. How tragic! Let's not miss it. Please do not miss God working in and through you to bring great glory to himself. "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13)

Today, let me leave you with a final scripture from Colossians encouraging us to abide in him. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:16-17)