Caring

Caring

1 John 2: I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. ² And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.

 

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Renting a “wreck” was my best option at the time. I was still in school and had totaled my car, but really wanted to go to a party on another campus. After some reckless driving, I wondered if I could break my record for returning to the campus.

 

• I treated the car as if it was not mine.
• I could care less about the maintenance of the car or how clean it was.
• I did whatever I wanted to do in the car as long as it got me to and from “my” destinations.

 

John shows extreme endearment by calling us his “children.” He makes a gentle appeal to reduce, if not stop, sinning. He gives the warning with some good news, that JESUS would personally plead with the FATHER for even the tiniest of sins.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is perfect and devoid of sin of any kind.
• GOD requires atonement for each and every sin.
• JESUS became the payment for any and every sin the world has ever done by dying and being resurrected.

 

Sin makes me care less and less about what GOD wants. I mean, when I sin, I am usually thinking only about myself and what would happen to me. I care less and less about obedience, or giving something precious up that “I” want or serving others when I am blinded by sin. I treat life lie a rental, driving as reckless as I can. BUT GOD has another way.

 

HE is even more gentle than John. HE gently reminds me that HIS way is the best way. HE accepts me with open arms when I come back to HIM. HE then says to me “Go and sin no more”, knowing that sin breaks a great relationship with HIM, even though HE holds onto me. I am glad JESUS is my advocate and I want to do my part by reducing my sin.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone of the writer?
• Have you ever done something you felt bad about doing?
• Have you ever had someone who cared for you, who spoke on your behalf?
• Will you give your life over to JESUS so HE can become an advocate for you on your behalf today?

Inward Truth

Inward Truth

1 John 1: ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

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On the way to the picnic, a motorcycle tried to pass me on the shoulder while I was making a sudden right turn. I was an inexperienced driver and I has begged for the car. “What will I tell my parents?” was the worry I felt all day. Arriving home, I found some spray paint that could possibly cover the dented area. Maybe they won’t notice.

 

• I was not at fault, yet I was nervous and I tried to protect myself.
• I tried to cover up the problem that was obvious and made the situation worse by using the wrong color.
• I took a deep breath, told the truth and was surprised that my worst fears were not met.

 

John seemed to be addressing insecure hidden sin. This sticky sin can be hidden from people well, especially if practiced over time. He even addressed the sin that allows us to fool ourselves into believing that we are justified in what we are doing.

 

My Observations:

• Sin has a power over me when I hide it or cover it up.
• When I confess my sin, it not only loses its power, but the desire diminishes.
• GOD is the only one who is faithful in the situation where I need my sins forgiven and cleansed.

 

Not seeing there is a problem is the problem. I mean, when I think I do not have a sin problem, I cannot confess that I have a problem and therefore will not make a change that could address the problem. Fooling myself into thinking I am “right” is a huge problem that GOD is willing to fix.

 

HE wants me to humbly come to HIM with the awareness of myself, so I can confess things in my life that need correcting. HE is faithful and just to correct me, heal me and clean me in HIS way and HIS time. I gladly confess my sins to GOD to diminish the power it has over me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “If we say” twice?
• Have you ever fooled yourself by comparing yourself to someone who is doing “worse” than you?
• Will you take an inward inventory and confess your sins to GOD so HE will cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Living Inside

Living Inside

1 John 1: ⁵ Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. ⁶ If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. ⁷ But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

 

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Wanting to live outside for a while, I grabbed a blanket from the house to fashion as my tent. I draped it over a clothesline and placed bricks on the edges. “That was easy!” I thought to myself. But then I got hungry and bored. I went back inside and grabbed food from the cabinet and took my favorite comic books outside. But then it threatened rain. I went inside.

 

• I thought I could live outside by using my wits.
• I thought I could live outside by my own effort.
• I thought that I thought of everything to live outside, but I was very mistaken.

 

John poetically describes GOD as light, as told by JESUS. He implies light as knowledge, love, holiness, purity and everything great about GOD. He also implies darkness as misinformed, full of lies, infused with hatred, prideful and everything evil brings. He gives the bad news that living in darkness while thinking we are living in light is a lie.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has revealed HIS SON JESUS who gave us one command to live by, namely love one another.
• GOD provides love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control to anyone who believes in the SON for salvation.
• GOD is the only one who can give our minds rest when all else is turbulent.

 

Living inside of GOD brings shelter from the storm. I mean, when the storms of life hit, GOD can grant me peace that doesn’t make sense. HE can also give me joy when others are looking for happiness and cannot find it. When I try to live outside of GOD I find myself in trouble.

 

“My” plans fail. “My” insecurities grow. “My” lies increase because I may pretend to live inside of GOD, but in fact may be living outside of HIM. Fortunately for me, GOD sees my heart because JESUS died to erase my sins. I am glad I can live inside of GOD because of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe GOD?
• Have you ever thought you knew something and were far, far from the truth?
• Have you ever tried to get your own way, knowing that it may bring trouble?
• Will you consider following GOD’s way by believing you need JESUS to guide you, protect you and grow you inside of HIM so HE can have fellowship with you today?

Complete Joy

Complete Joy

1 John 1: We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. ² When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. ³ What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

 

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When the new amusement park opened, everyone asked the same question, “Have you been there yet?” When the family got tickets, I was elated! We went and the experience was amazing! When I got home, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone how great the experience was!

 

• I was excited, so I wanted to tell everyone.
• I was amazed, so I described my experience in great detail.
• I was enamored, so I recommended that if you had not tried it, you should consider it.

 

John, the disciple whom JESUS loved, starts off his letter with amazement! He goes into detail about something that everyone had been waiting on for centuries, namely the arrival of the Messiah. This cure for misery, problems and troubles had been manifested as a human known as JESUS. He then said that sharing this Good News would make his joy complete.

 

My Observations:

• Good News is not Good News unless it is shared with other people.
• GOD did something truly amazing by becoming a human, allowing HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and being raised from the dead to conquer all sins.
• JESUS is the Word of Life whom I can place my full trust in.

 

Everyone wants to spread some good news, but unfortunately there is a lot of bad news. I mean, when life hits, it seems like there is nothing good to say. BUT GOD loves when I open my mouth to tell others how exciting it is to be saved by the MOST HIGH!

 

GOD wants everyone to be saved and has given you and me the task of spreading the Good News. In spite of trouble, fear and doubt, GOD’s wonderful message of love can ring from my lips. I gladly tell everyone about GOD’s love for me, which is CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

 

Challenge

• How excited is the writer?
• Have you ever received some good news and could not wait to tell people about it?
• How do you feel when you have a lot of bad news?
• Will you consider how amazing GOD’s love is for you, enough to tell people about it, to encourage someone today?

Safe Position

Safe Position

2 Peter 3: ¹⁷ But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. ¹⁸ But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.

 

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Being accused of being a “goody” I felt I needed to do something. The accusation made me feel like I didn’t fit in. I decided that sex, drunken parties and foul language as humor would make me fit in. When I got in trouble, the people who urged my change for the worse were not around.

 

• I was doing well then I fell.
• More problems came from trying to fit in that I thought.
• I was in worse shape when I fell, because now I had a reputation that did not look so good and I had problems.

 

Peter concludes his short letter with a warning. He tells everyone to “be on your guard” when it came to taking advice from people. There would be those who prescribe things that sound like “fun” on the surface but will ultimately cause problems in life and threaten a good relationship with GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD understands that I am a sinner saved by HIS grace.
• GOD also is perfect and loves when I follow HIS ways as best I can.
• Knowing GOD means I know what to stay away from and that I make my life about HIM.

 

People who seek pleasure as their only pursuit will look at the life of the followers of CHRIST as constraining. I mean, when trying to “do good” in life by not partaking in every indulgence that surfaces, people may complain about your life. BUT GOD sees your efforts.

 

HE loves when I can say “No” to the things that would distract me from serving HIM. There is nothing wrong with some of the stuff the world has to off as long as it does not interfere with GOD’s calling on your and my life or cause us to fall into a worse situation. I am glad GOD gives me freedom in HIS framework of love.

 

Challenge

• What “safe position” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever fallen and wondered how did you get as low as you got?
• Will you question your own relationship with GOD to see if you and HIM are in “good” standings according to your own desires today so HE can keep you “safe”?

Difficult Things Explained

Difficult Things Explained

2 Peter 3: ¹⁴ And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God's sight and to be at peace with him. ¹⁵ Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved, just as our dear friend Paul wrote to you, using the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶ This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.

 

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Sitting in class I was absolutely perplexed. We hit a point where the professor was explaining, at light speed, the derivation of the heat equation. Many symbols were written that I did not understand. I went to his teachers aid to translate.

 

• I had missed some foundational information that I needed to help me understand this difficult thing.
• I needed help just understanding the basics, let alone the more difficult things.
• There was no way I could explain this difficult thing without some help.

 

Peter continued his explanation of the Day of the LORD. He knew it was a difficult topic to discuss, so he refers to Paul, who wrote many letters on the subject. He then gave a warning that some people who may not have grasped foundational truths, were trying to explain difficult things without “revealed” knowledge.

 

My Observations:

• Scripture was “GOD-breathed” and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
• GOD chose to reveal  truths that, to this day, confound the wisest people.
• The HOLY SPIRIT is willing to guide anyone who seeks understanding of GOD.

 

Talking about the imminent destruction of the world is difficult. I mean, during the last days, there will be groups of people who truly believe humans have the power to stop something GOD said HE would do. Trying to explain that JESUS will return some day to those who do not believe HE would destroy HIS own creation is hard, if not impossible. BUT GOD made a way.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to those who seek HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT works at the pace of the reader, helping explain difficult things so the reader will be comforted. Patience is highlighted versus focusing in on the Day JESUS will return. I am glad GOD gave me a chance to accept HIS SON as my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What difficult thing is the writer pointing out?
• Have you ever run into something difficult that needed explaining?
• Will you ask GOD to reveal the difficult things so HE will strengthen you faith in HIM today?

Make It Happen

Make It Happen

2 Peter 3: ¹⁰ But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that Day the heavens will disappear with a shrill noise, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth with everything in it will vanish. ¹¹ Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God, ¹² as you wait for the Day of God and do your best to make it come soon—the Day when the heavens will burn up and be destroyed, and the heavenly bodies will be melted by the heat. ¹³ But we wait for what God has promised: new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home.

 

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“The sooner you all pick up all your stuff, the sooner you can leave” was the statement of the person who stood between us and freedom from the being “stuck” in the activity. It had been a long day and all of us wanted to leave, so we got to work putting everything in place.

 

• I wanted freedom from working.
• I wanted to be done with pain.
• I wanted to be in a better place than working or learning!

 

Peter tried to explain the imminent return of JESUS. He says it will come unexpectedly. He tried to explain the magnitude of the return of CHRIST by implying it will be extremely noticeable and unlike anything that has ever happened. He then suggests that we all prepare for this Day by seeking the lost with urgency.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s desire is that no one will suffer and that all would accept HIS SON as the Savior.
• My desire should align with GOD’s desire.
• The sooner we all can work together in unity to present JESUS as the Savior to the world, the sooner HE will return.

 

Only GOD knows the Day that JESUS will return and on that Day, things will change immensely. I mean, many prophecies, given from GOD to multiple writers, state that the Day of the LORD will be a terrible day, however it will be a great one for those who love the LORD and believe in HIM as the Savior.

 

We don’t know the last person who will accept CHRIST, but it is important that we continue to pursue everyone with the urgency GOD desires. I am glad GOD has entrusted humans to seek other humans for eternity.

 

Challenge

• What picture does the writer put in your mind regarding the last day?
• How would you feel if someone could exclude you from heaven because he or she desired that you, or anyone like you, should not be included in GOD’s love?
• Will you believe that GOD has your name written in HIS hand and in the Lamb’s Book of Life, so you cannot lose your salvation and so you can seek those who are rejecting JESUS today?

Patience Observed

Patience Observed

2 Peter 3: ⁸ But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. ⁹ The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

 

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Fresh out of school, I felt I did not know anything. I was given an assignment and looked at it like a deer in the headlights of a speeding truck. I timidly asked “How do I do this?” My immediate supervisor was frustrated. But his boss gave him a different way. He told my immediate supervisor to teach me what I needed to know.

 

• Both bosses needed to have patience while I learned what to do.
• I tried to accelerate my studies, but I needed to learn too much.
• It took time for me to learn and when I did, I was able to excel.

 

Peter explained to the believers of JESUS that HIS return may seem slow, but is patient. He also explains that GOD wants everyone to be saved and is showing extreme patience until the last person accepts CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has seen my creation and my eternal life with HIM at the same time.
• Time may seem slow to me, but to GOD, it is instant.
• I have to realize that when I want out of trials or when I want something different to happen, it takes time and I have to learn GOD’s patience.

 

“Can YOU just give me patience right now?!” is the joke. I mean, can’t GOD just zap me with the patience I need? No. GOD is very methodical and allows the same trials to appear in my life, over and over and over and over and… you get the picture.

 

HE is not doing this to punish me, rather prepare me. HE sees areas in my life that need strengthening and what better way to get stronger in weak areas but to go through the same thing until I can get through it with the results HE knows I can achieve. I am glad GOD has the patience with me to watch me grow.

 

Challenge

• What one thing is the writer reminding us about?
• Has someone ever been patient with you even thought you were messing up in a huge way?
• Will you take time to recognize GOD’s patience with you and see that HE wants you to grow by reducing sin in your life today?

Spoken Ignored

Spoken Ignored

2 Peter 3: ⁵ They purposely ignore the fact that long ago God gave a command, and the heavens and earth were created. The earth was formed out of water and by water, ⁶ and it was also by water, the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed. ⁷ But the heavens and the earth that now exist are being preserved by the same command of God, in order to be destroyed by fire. They are being kept for the day when godless people will be judged and destroyed.

 

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“It is officially Spring” said the news. I had gotten a windbreaker for Christmas and wanted to test what it could do. “Can I please wear my windbreaker” I asked. “No, it’s too cold outside” was the reply. “But it’s Spring” was my counter. “Okay, but wear some warm clothes” was the final statement. I put my windbreaker on top of a long sleeve shirt and walked outside and froze all the way to and from school!

 

• I ignored the warning because I wanted something else to happen.
• I paid the consequence because I was not willing to listen to the warning.
• I wanted my way so badly that I was willing to suffer.

 

Peter continued to give a warning about people who scoff at GOD and HIS commands. He said in the last days, people would make fun of believers of JESUS. He now states that there would be people who will ignore the fact that GOD spoke the world into existence and that same GOD will destroy it because HE cursed it.

 

My Observations:

• GOD keeps all of HIS promises and HE promised that this world is cursed by HIS own mouth and that it will be destroyed.
• GOD also promised that only those who believe in HIS SON for salvation, will be saved from HIS wrath.
• GOD revealed that HE would create a new heaven and a new earth, one with no suffering or tears.

 

GOD has spoken and it’s up to me to listen. But sometimes this is hard for me to do. I mean, when catastrophe happens to me or my family or my neighbors, It is difficult to hear, GOD has a promise for you. That is where the COMFORTER steps in.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me of how often HE has rescued me from danger and carried me though troubled times. HE increases my awareness that GOD is in control of the situation. People who do not believe will question, scoff and even try to do things with their own power. I am glad GOD has already seen my deliverance into HIS spoken greatness.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer point out the creation and the destruction of the world?
• Have you ever been told something and ignored it because you wanted something different to happen, but it did not happen the way you wanted?
• Wil you turn to GOD and listen to HIS spoken words of love by believing in JESUS as your Savior so HE can use your life as a blessing today?

Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

My Tribute to Preston Washington

 

My father taught us about the love of JESUS. In later years, he came up with the phrase “Adam Broke it, JESUS fixed it.”

 

Here is my thought on his phrase.

 

How many of you have heard of Adam and Eve? 

Both were innocent but the deceiver lied to Eve and Adam. He played on their desires to know more than they were supposed to know. 

Deception Deals. 

 

He made them question GOD by twisting words. 

Deception Deals. 

 

He made them make the biggest mistake, causing all of humanity to fall. 

Deception Deals. 

 

"Adam where are you?" asked the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent GOD. HE knew, but asked a rhetorical question. Adam blamed..., Eve tried to cover her tracks by not taking responsibility. 

Deception Deals.

 

They were thrown out of the garden. But the garden remained in plain sight.

They had two kids, Cain and Abel. Painful child birth, as promised. The lap of luxury in plain sight, but they had to work hard just to eat. Cain may have decided to try to build his own garden. Seeing his parents suffer and hearing them talk about how it used to be easy, he spent his time growing vegetables and probably had plenty.

 

Abel may have seen that GOD was sovereign in throwing his parents out. He may have had a heart of repentance and he sacrificed something precious, namely their food supply. He modeled what GOD did by mimicking HIM in the best way he knew. 

He was killed by his jealous brother.

Deception Deals. 

 

Cain where is your brother? Asked the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent GOD. He took after his blaming, lack of responsibility parents by trying to cover things up.

Deception Deals.

 

But there is a better way. The TRUTH. 

Truth Heals. 

 

JESUS had to fix the mess that Adam and Eve caused. They believed in deception. HE lived a sinless life only to be killed by HIS own creation. 

Truth Heals.

 

HE was raised from the dead to overcome every lie and deception you live. 

Truth Heals.

 

HE became the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. 

Truth Heals.

 

Preston and Susie taught us about JESUS. But not the one you think of. In spite of racial hatred and gender inequality and deception of superiority that was going on at the time, they both taught us that loving GOD is the beginning of abundance. 

Truth Heals. 

 

Loving one another is more important than self-deception, self-protection and self-affection.

 

If you can seek GOD's truth and not your own, you will not fall for the deception the world has to offer. 

 

Do three things

1.                   Think of a lie you told yourself and how easy it was to lie to yourself.

2.                   Think of a lie you are living, or one that you will take to your grave 

3.                   Ask GOD to give you the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE today so you can be set free.

 

My Thanks

Thank you Preston and Susie for teaching us about JESUS. Thank you for working hard to feed us, clothes us and to provide for us the best way you could. Thank you for being the example by taking in your brothers, sisters and missionaries into your home. Thank you for providing for your parents when they couldn’t do for themselves. Thank you for overcoming extremely difficult situations by praying and persevering.

 

Thank you wife Gia, daughter Jasmine and son Samuel Preston, a name not given lightly, and is affectionately known as Percy by his sister. Named after his grandfathers but also after one of the most powerful prophets to encounter GOD.

Thank you big bro Chris, big sis Lisa and sis Linda who I call gull.

True Freedom From Slavery

True Freedom From Slavery

2 Peter 2: ¹⁷ These people are like dried-up springs, like clouds blown along by a storm; God has reserved a place for them in the deepest darkness. ¹⁸ They make proud and stupid statements, and use immoral bodily lusts to trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for we are slaves of anything that has conquered us. ²⁰ If people have escaped from the corrupting forces of the world through their knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are again caught and conquered by them, such people are in worse condition at the end than they were at the beginning. ²¹ It would have been much better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the sacred command that was given them. ²² What happened to them shows that the proverbs are true: “A dog goes back to what it has vomited” and “A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud.”

 

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After reaching a certain level, I figured people would listen to me. I flaunted my title and expected everyone to align to “my” statements because of the level. Wealth was an easy target to dangle in front of those who desired it. “If you work hard, then you can win an award” was the company line I believed in.

 

• I was a slave to power.
• I was a slave to money.
• I was a slave to being followed and giving “my” advice.

 

Peter concludes his warning to stay away from false teachers. He gives some startling truths regarding enslavement. The false teachers lured people back into destructive habits that people had escaped because of their belief in JESUS, enslaving them and taking away their hope.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is willing to cleanse me daily.
• True freedom is available to me when I follow what CHRIST says.
• There is hope for the addicted, the hopeless and the down-trodden through JESUS.

 

Following humans is okay, but following GOD is the best way to go. I mean, humans, even preachers and missionaries, can have an agenda that can lead to a false teaching of GOD’s love to get his or her lustful way. GOD sees this kind of manipulation and is not pleased with it , at all! Fortunately there is another way.

 

JESUS forgives and is willing to heal those who struggle with something he or she knows is not good for them. HE has faced every type of temptation and cares for you and me. HE, however, wants HIS followers to be wise and to not follow flattering words that may take people away from HIS love. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to guide me away from myself and protect me from those who do not care about HIS precious name.

 

Challenge

• What corrupting forces is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been worried about something or have you been stuck doing something you know is not good for you?
• Will you reduce following humans who may be manipulating you to get his or her way and seek GOD’s way that can set you free today?

Heart Training

Heart Training

2 Peter 2: ¹⁴ They want to look for nothing but the chance to commit adultery; their appetite for sin is never satisfied. They lead weak people into a trap. Their hearts are trained to be greedy. They are under God's curse! ¹⁵ They have left the straight path and have lost their way; they have followed the path taken by Balaam son of Beor, who loved the money he would get for doing wrong ¹⁶ and was rebuked for his sin. His donkey spoke with a human voice and stopped the prophet's insane action.

 

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After trying out sex, I wanted more. My mind wandered thinking about it. After lying without getting caught, I lied some more. It was easy. After sneaking home while working as a janitor, I planned more “fun time” when I was supposed to be working.

 

• My heart was getting trained to lust.
• My heart was getting trained to lie.
• My heart was getting trained to be sneaky and unreliable.

 

Peter continued his warning against false teachers. He pointed out more of their motives they would use to get their way. He then gave an example of Balaam son of Beor who considered cursing GOD’s people for money. He was rebuked or reprimanded until he changed his heart.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will let me do what I want to do but eventually if I do what HE does not want me to do, HE will step in and rebuke or reprimand me.
• GOD wants me to turn my heart over to HIM so HE can live in it.
• GOD is willing to cleanse me of all unrighteousness if I am willing to confess my sins to HIM, wanting HIM to take away my appetite for the sin.

 

Hearts can be trained. I mean, I can learn to love or learn to hate people. When I learn to hate, I disguise it, justify it and use it often. “It’s their fault I am this way” would be my justification. BUT GOD wants me to see HIM without being blind.

 

GOD wants me to train my heart to follow HIS examples of grace, mercy and love. HE even did away with all the rules by giving one command, namely “Love one another.” This action fulfills all the rules. I am glad GOD loves me enough to guide me towards HIS way of thinking.

 

Challenge

• Why Is the writer so determined in the warning that is given?
• Have you ever done something you knew in your heart was wrong, yet you did it anyway?
• Will you turn your heart over to GOD and allow HIM to remove the things you know you should not be doing so HE can use you to grow the kingdom today?

Insults Injure

Insults Injure

2 Peter 2: These false teachers are bold and arrogant, and show no respect for the glorious beings above; instead, they insult them. ¹¹ Even the angels, who are so much stronger and mightier than these false teachers, do not accuse them with insults in the presence of the Lord. ¹² But these people act by instinct, like wild animals born to be captured and killed; they attack with insults anything they do not understand. They will be destroyed like wild animals, ¹³ and they will be paid with suffering for the suffering they have caused. Pleasure for them is to do anything in broad daylight that will satisfy their bodily appetites; they are a shame and a disgrace as they join you in your meals, all the while enjoying their deceitful ways!

 

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After learning my new found “cursing” form of language, I thought I would take it out for a spin. I used some of the language incorrectly and was laughed at, so I practiced. After a while, I was able to tear a person apart with a tapestry of insults woven with the foulest language.

 

• I felt good being able to tear people apart.
• I felt even better that my insults would make people laugh.
• I did not know I was hurting people with my insults and even worse, I was hurting myself.

 

Peter gives some hard theology about insults. When he denied his relationship with JESUS to save himself, he cursed at JESUS to act like everyone else. He knew how harmful this was because he wanted to be close to JESUS and felt he had ruined the relationship. JESUS restored Peter with a caveat… “Feed MY sheep.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to use my tongue to lift people up, not tear them down.
• Any insult I make is similar to placing it before GOD and HE is not pleased with my insults.
• I may insult and hurt someone AND GOD will see what I did and account for “my” actions.

 

Consequence is usually not considered when I make an insult. I mean, whether it is my favorite sports team or a coworker or a political party or a family member, my insults are being recorded. GOD sees insults as a problem. BUT HE has a better way.

 

GOD wants my tongue to be filled with encouragement, praise and grace. Insulting JESUS or any heavenly figure will bring GOD’s wrath on me. HE deserves my deepest praise. This requires me to remove my insults. I am glad GOD is willing ot guide me away from insults.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writer?
• Have you ever been insulted?
• How did you feel after being insulted?
• Will you take steps to remove “harmless” insults from your vocabulary and say nothing instead so you will not place the insult before GOD?

Rescue Plan

Rescue Plan

2 Peter 2: ⁴ God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell, where they are kept chained in darkness, waiting for the Day of Judgment. ⁵ God did not spare the ancient world, but brought the flood on the world of godless people; the only ones he saved were Noah, who preached righteousness, and seven other people. ⁶ God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them with fire, and made them an example of what will happen to the godless. ⁷ He rescued Lot, a good man, who was distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people. ⁸ That good man lived among them, and day after day he suffered agony as he saw and heard their evil actions. ⁹ And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment, ¹⁰ especially those who follow their filthy bodily lusts and despise God's authority.

 

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“You look miserable” someone said to me. I did not know it was showing on my face. The pressures of the position weighed heavily on me. Meanwhile, it seemed like some people, who I felt were cutthroat, were getting away with lies and manipulation.

 

• It seemed like there was no hope.
• It seemed like there would be no relief.
• It seemed like a good time to give up because powerful bullies were getting their way.

 

Peter goes into theology that most do not want to hear. He partially explains the wrath of GOD on those who are determined to do evil. He gives a few examples of how GOD takes sin seriously. But he also gives hope.

 

My Observations:

• I was lost in my many sins, BUT GOD gave me a gift which is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.
• GOD saved me from all my sins, past, present and future.
• GOD’s authority is to be welcomed in my life so HE can correct me any time HE wants.

 

Falling down is not the problem, it is getting back up that is hard. I mean, when I fall to sin and it seems like my world is falling apart, at one time I had no place to turn. BUT GOD gave me a solution.

 

JESUS forgave me for my sins and gave me a COMFORTER who is willing to guide me daily. HE protects me from those who try to harm me, and HE protects me from myself. I am glad GOD has a rescue plan for me when thing look bleak.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain this side of GOD?
• Have you ever been in a miserable situation where it seemed like there was no way out?
• Will you turn your eyes to GOD’s love for you and accept HIS plan of rescue by believing in HIS SON JESUS, who volunteered to save you and me today?