The Truth Provides Our Road Map

Photo From Google Images

Reading in 2 Peter 1:12-21, the purpose for Peter writing this letter is to remind us of the truth. We gain spiritual knowledge from Scripture which was spoken from God and carried along by the Holy Spirit. Preparation is the key as we answer questions we have and help anyone who is seeking a relationship with Christ.

Christianity is different than other religions in that we have eyewitnesses to the events that occurred while Jesus walked on earth and the events are documented in the Word. The prophecies were fulfilled and the facts prove that God became flesh; teaching us the best way to live. God’s plan was fulfilled and He will continue to carry out His plan.

As we drive down the road of life, we understand that we go on green and stop on red but we struggle with the simple message of the gospel; thinking it can’t be this easy. What happens is that many make it harder than it is and end up going the wrong direction.

By gaining knowledge from the Bible, from life experiences, and from others we will produce a road map to help us follow the way. The pathway set before us leads to that which is pure and good and lovely. Like a light in a sometimes dark world, the pathway will be illuminated through each of us. 

This day with God, let us pray for God’s direction as we plan the right activities for our day and that these activities fall into place for an amazing day.

Posted in 2 Peter | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Positive Qualities Taught by Christ

Peter suggested in 2 Peter 1 that as Christians, we should plant and cultivate the positive qualities taught by Christ in our heart.

We should respond to God’s work for us with great effort to increase positive qualities like faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and brotherly love.

What happens is that these positive qualities growing in us are like steps that lead us closer to God and we have much to look forward to because of the promise of a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (v. 11).

Tomorrow, I will post some other thoughts as I continue the journey through 2 Peter. In the meantime, here is a link to a poem this study has already inspired: The Path.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Photo Credit
Google Images

Posted in 2 Peter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pathway to Praiseworthy Lives

A thought from yesterday’s post is that God’s work has laid the path and we just need to follow the roadmap. As we continue the journey, we can sincerely believe that there will be fuel for our travel. We can enjoy the scenery along the way and celebrate progress throughout each day.

He gives us the resources we need but each individual must plant and cultivate the principles taught by Christ within their soul. When this is done, there will be a future harvest of benefits and eternal rewards.

Nothing compares to the promise we have in Jesus and this makes us want to sing songs like this one: Shout to the Lord –  Michael W. Smith.



Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:1-2

Posted in 2 Peter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Building the Steps

By adhering to the teachings of Christ, we are building the steps needed to live praiseworthy lives. The apostle named Peter is writing shortly before his death, bringing both warning and hope to believers who receive it. In 2 Peter 1:1-11, he is reminding them to live lives worthy of Jesus who has given power to escape corruption.

We should respond to God’s work for us with great effort to increase positive qualities like faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and brotherly love. What inspires is the promise of a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (v. 11).

When driving a car, there is power but we must steer. So in life, there is power to grow which comes from God. Keep on praying for the power of God and the skill to steer in the right direction. Pray that the power from God helps to equip with the virtues listed above and that one virtue builds from the other.

This day with God will be amazing because of Jesus who is God’s gift to us. God’s work has laid the path and we just need to simply follow the road map. As we continue the journey, we can sincerely believe that there will be fuel for our travel. We can also look forward to enjoying the scenery along the way, celebrating progress, and giving praise as we take a step closer to Him each day.

Photo Credit
Google Images

Posted in 2 Peter | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Questions for Reflection – Study of 2 Peter

The second letter of Peter written around 60 A.D. is a warning against false teachers. Great emphasis is made on the Word of God and the certainty of a future eternal reward if we follow the Truth. False teaching can be resisted by focusing on the scriptures.

The scripture also tells us there will be a second coming. This should make us want to always be prepared by practicing our faith day in and day out. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about practicing our faith and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

2 Peter 1:1-11
What has God done for us? For what purpose? Through whom? How should we respond to God’s work for us?

2 Peter 1:12-21
What is Peter’s purpose in writing this letter? From what does a Christian gain spiritual knowledge? How can you know whether the interpretation of Scripture given by various writers is true?

2 Peter 2:1-9
Characterize false prophets – how extensive is their influence? What will be the fate of such persons? How do you feel about ungodly people “getting away with” evil?

2 Peter 2:10-22
Describe the type of person affected by false teaching. How can you resist false teaching?  What is so attractive about evil that pulls a person back?

2 Peter 3:1-10
To what characteristics of God does Peter appeal? To what historical event? When will the day of the Lord come? How? With what result?

2 Peter 3:10-18
In what ways do lives of holiness and godliness hasten the kingdom’s coming? How can you maintain your Christian stability? What would you like to be doing when the Lord returns?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
 
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

__________________________________________
 
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

Photo Credit
Google Images

Posted in 2 Peter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments