Standing Up to Those Who Ridicule

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Peter is writing this letter to remind about the predictions from the apostles and from Jesus of the coming of those who will ridicule their faith. Reading in 2 Peter 3:1-10, many in the world will doubt the second coming of Christ (v. 3). They will make light of sin and mock at salvation by Jesus Christ therefore they will not be God fearing and will not consider God’s judgment. They will not see the need to seek the happiness beyond this world.

The scoffers will say that God does not intervene in history but Peter uses history to refute this argument by pointing out that past judgment was with water during the time of Noah (v. 6). Many believe the world should get better and better but this goes against scripture which tells us there will be a second judgment of God which will change history by refining with fire.

So, the things we see happening in our world today like disasters, wars, and cultural decay will only confirm our faith. This will indicate Christ is near and make us reach out to more so they can look forward to the happiness beyond this world.

This day with God, let us submit to Him and put His will first in our life. Let us always be prepared by practicing our faith day in and day out. Until the day He comes or calls, let us pray for direction and discipline in His ways.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Follow the Path Laid Out by God's Word

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For a society to build up a resistance to corruption, we have to believe that small actions over time will build up to make major improvements. We have to look at corruption as the enemy and work together to identify this enemy in order to destroy its grip.

Reading in 2 Peter 2:10-22, we get a description of false teachers who had a grip on society during the time of Peter. They had behavior patterns that were slanderous, their message was empty, and they appealed to the lustful desires of sinful human nature. It is explained in the passage that their fate is not good for they will be destroyed and paid back for the harm they have produced.

Explained also in the passage is that the type of person affected by false teaching is the unstable; those who are taken in by the deceivers. Their own lust gains victory over them because accepting what the false teacher promises requires no effort. They simply continue with their negative habits and attitudes to receive what they want. On the other hand, righteousness requires effort.

The best idea to resist false teaching is to follow the path laid out in God’s Word. As presented in this reading, if we follow our own sinful desires, we become enslaved by whatever our flesh wants but if we submit our life to Christ, we become free. The Gospel message is the water of life that refreshes the soul for anyone who wants to be saved by our Lord Jesus.

This day with God, have confidence in the promise that hope will give optimism in a time of despair; faith will give courage in a time of doubt, and love will bring victory in a time of hate.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

The ONE Who Never Lets Us Down

False prophets have gaps in how they believe a person is saved. They talk about how God is great but not much about their own obedience to Him. Reading in 2 Peter 2:1-9, the fate of such a person is not good because justice will eventually find them out.

Peter gave three historic examples of God’s judgment; the fallen angels in verse 4, the ungodly when the flood covered the earth during the time of Noah in verse 5, and the ungodly when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were burned to ashes in verse 6.

Just like Lot who was distressed by the lawless men of his time, we may face distressing trials and temptations because of the lawless of our time. When this happens, we can put our trust in God. The Ungodly may get away with evil for a while but eventually they will be brought to justice.

Let us be aware of special meanings or interpretations that belittle Christ. Let us read the Bible so we can recognize false teachings. Let us be thankful for a forgiving God who sent His Son as our Savior.

The love of God in Christ is a gift and this day will be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets each individual free and never lets us down.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

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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.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

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Google Images