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?

Grace and Peace

Grace and Peace

2 Peter 1: From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ—

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours:

² May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

 

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After leaving court, I got my driver’s license back. I had exceeded the maximum number of speeding tickets that year and had to get my license reinstated. Since that pressure was over, I decided to celebrate. I threw the usual party and made the theme, “Able to Drive Again!”

 

• I made any excuse to hold a party.
• Having a group of people with loud music, laughter and drinks, temporarily reduced the pain of reality.
• Monday would arrive every week and I had to face whatever situation I was trying to escape from.

 

Peter writes another letter. This time he addressed it to a broader audience of believers which included Gentile believers. His opening statement was a small prayer for everyone to receive grace and peace in “full measure.”

 

My Observations:

• My sinful efforts bring temporary relief, BUT knowing GOD gives me peace that I don’t understand.
• Vacations, celebrations, and parties seem like a nice escape, BUT knowing JESUS  gives me grace that sustains me during difficult times.
• Getting to know about GOD and the SON of GOD is worth the work, because it shows me grace and peace that is different than the world’s temporary, pleasure filled approach.

 

Indulgence is temporary, BUT GOD is forever. I mean, avoiding the “bad” situation for a moment of pleasure can sometimes make things worse for me. Bad decision after bad decision during my pursuit of pleasure can sometimes leave me with more problems that pleasure can’t fix. BUT GOD has a different way.

 

GOD wants me to get to know who HE is so I will not fall into a trap of blaming HIM or misunderstanding who HE is. Getting to know about JESUS shows me how much I a really loved. I am glad I can receive grace and peace in spite of my bad thoughts of who GOD is. I receive HIS love by learning about HIM.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in the writer’s greeting?
• Are you trying to pursue grace and peace through the world’s methods?
• Will you pursue a relationship with JESUS by getting to know HIM so you can receive grace and peace that rises above all of your situations today?

Every Good Thing You Need

Every Good Thing You Need

Hebrews 13: ^20-21 God has raised from death our Lord Jesus, who is the Great Shepherd of the sheep as the result of his blood, by which the eternal covenant is sealed. May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will, and may he, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him. And to Christ be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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After joining the organization, to my amazement they asked me “What do you need?” I gave them my list and they provided it for me. They knew I was going to do some work for them and they were willing to provide whatever I needed to do their work.

 

• I was willing to do the work they needed.
• I had some needs and they were willing to meet those needs as long as it would benefit them.
• I used the things given to me to do what they wanted me to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains the need GOD has. JESUS, the “Great Shepherd” was raised from the dead. GOD wants all living human beings to become sheep, or followers of JESUS. He then says a prayer that GOD gives “every good thing” to do HIS will.

 

My Observations:

• I have to be willing to do GOD’s will in order for HIM to provide for me.
• GOD provides me with what I need to do HIS will.
• GOD wants to make me successful by giving me purpose in JESUS.

 

Realizing that I am made for GOD is challenging. I mean, HE created me with free will to choose HIS way or my way. Many times I see HIS way as a barrier to “my” pleasure. Or I try to manipulate HIM into getting “my” way. GOD is gracious enough to understand.

 

HE gently guides me back to understanding HIS precious need, namely telling everyone HE sends me or send me to, that HIS SON is my Savior. This simple message is so dear and important, that HE is willing to give me whatever I need to do HIS will. I thank GOD for HIS provisions.

 

Challenge

• What “Good Things” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to retire from serving GOD and just live a life of leisure?
• Will you give your life to GOD so HE can show you how to balance serving and enjoy life along the way so you will continue without burning out?
• Will you trust GOD for HIS provision today?

Leave with Peace

Leave with Peace

2 Corinthians 13: ¹¹ And now, my friends, good-bye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

¹² Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

 

All of God's people send you their greetings.

 

¹³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

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As the argument escalated, I stormed out the room and slammed the door. This emotional theatrical outburst did not settle the argument at all. If anything, it ensued more rage on all parts.

 

• I was seeking to “win” the argument.
• I was seeking to “win” and someone else to “lose.”
• I was seeking to be “heard” while missing the opportunity of hearing.

 

Paul sends his farewell. In it, he emphasizes peace. He gives everyone the assurance that GOD is with them so peace can be obtained.

 

My Observations

• Peace can be a way of life that GOD wants me to strive for.
• Peace from GOD is something I can bring into opposing views.
• Peace of assurance is a gift I can give to anyone who needs CHRIST.

 

Leaving people with peace is a goal I did not know existed. I mean, it does not require that I acquiesce or be walked on, rather I look for opportunities to live peacefully together. Avoiding arguments is probably unhealthy and causes bitterness to fester.

 

GOD wants me to see that peace is a way of life and wants any bitter root to be given to HIM. HE also wants me to talk things out with one another so an “agreement” can happen. I can also provide assurance to those who are nervous, letting him or her know that JESUS provided grace, the HEAVENLY FATHER love and the HOLY SPIRIT fellowship. I am glad GOD gives me peace that many cannot understand.

 

Challenge

• Does peace jump out at you when reading this passage?
• Why do you think the writer emphasizes peace so much?
• What situations can you think of where you can diffuse the argument with peace?
• Will you accept the goal of living in assurance of the grace of JESUS, the love of GOD and the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT so you can give peace to many as a gift today?

Peace Broken

 

Peace Broken

Acts 24: ¹⁷ “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. ¹⁸ I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. ¹⁹ But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. ²⁰ Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— ²¹ unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

 

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After completing the project with success, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Everything I did in my power worked well. But there were some who did not like the accomplishment. For whatever reason, they wanted to tarnish the accomplishment with innuendoes and conjectures. I felt blamed versus being able to celebrate.

 

• There have been many times when people tried to rob me of peace.
• There have been many times when people stirred up the crowd, trying to deflect showing their faults.
• There have been many times when people were against me for doing something good.

 

Paul continues to explain why he was being blamed. He told the governor how he came into Jerusalem with peaceful actions to provide for the poor. He then explained how he knew the Law and observed them by being ceremonially clean. He asked that his accusers present evidence of wrong doing.

 

• GOD want me to seek HIS peace daily.
• GOD knows there will be people who will try to steal my peace.
• GOD gives me peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

Peace is a weapon that cannot be stolen. I mean, when someone brings me disturbing news or acts devious towards me, peace is there as a weapon against my foe. When JESUS tells me to “have peace” HE enables me to use peace in the middle of the storm.

 

Peace is a choice. When I realize GOD is in control or the difficult situation, I can then give it over to HIM, knowing HE has the best outcome. HE is always looking for me to be doing something better for HIM. The situation is only the catalyst for the next great adventure HE has for me. I am grateful GOD protects me and gives me peace.

 

• Is your peace broken by someone?
• Has someone cause you to worry or doubt?
• Will you use GOD’s peace as a weapon so you can be filled with HIS strength today?

Help in Troubled Times

Habakkuk 1: ⁷ The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him

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 Sitting on the edge of my bed, I worried about my “future.” What would it be like? How will I make it with the debt I was carrying? I ignored those who spoke about all that “GOD” stuff and went on my way.  I mean they don’t seem any better off. In fact, I have seen some people who spoke about “GOD” who were even more in debt than I was!

• There were times that I worried about “my future.”
• There were times when I did the math and my future looked bleak!
• There were times when life did not seem to provide enough money so I thought everything was bad.

“Trust in the dollar with all your thoughts and all your future plans and all your ways” was my way of thinking. I would talk about where I was with others and they would put on a pity face with me. There seemed to be no way out! BUT GOD said something different!

• GOD said to me “Put your total trust in ME and all will be well with you.”
• GOD said to me “Seek ME in times of trouble and you will find refuge.”
• GOD said to me “Give me your worries, fears and doubts and I will make your paths straight.”

I had reached the end of my rope, or so I thought. I went to a small church and the preacher asked “Is there anyone here who wants to give their life back to GOD?” Something inside me said, “Get up!” so I did. As I walked down the aisle, I could hear clapping and cheering. Tear flowed down my face as I reached a group who prayed for me and with me. I finally felt at peace!

• Are you troubled?
• Do you think there is no way out?
• Can you place your trust in GOD today?
• Will you give HIM your fears, worries and doubts?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD and stop looking at the past and the future?

Seek Peace

Amos 6: Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
    to whom the people of Israel come!

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Ah the “good life.” We discussed food, travel, hotels, cars, wine and cigars. Smiles went on all of our faces as we enjoyed the finest of all that was mentioned.

• There have been times when I have had the finest the world has offered.
• There have been times when I sought the best the world could give.
• There have been times when I sought complacency in “my” accomplishments.

Looking back I noticed something missing from our conversation, namely GOD. We never once thanked GOD for all of the fine things we had in our lives, instead we were too busy planning our next move to acquire more or keep what we had. We had become complacent and GOD abhorred it.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first which means I need to look around for those HE wants to bring into HIS kingdom. This also means I need to seek “peace” with those around me and especially with HIM.

Seeking peace with GOD is a daily quest. HE sees and knows my sins yet forgives them anyway! Instead of conversations about the indoor bowling alley I should be asking GOD “What would YOU like me to do with all the stuff YOU gave me?” GOD wants me to use each item HE has given to me to further HIS kingdom.

What good is it to be out of debt only to use HIS money for yet another expensive vacation? HE does not mind time off at a fancy place as long as my thoughts and actions are centered around HIS kingdom.  Complacency is NOT peace. Following GOD is peace!

• What are you seeking?
• Are you trying to pay bills so you can become complacent?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom so HE will guide you with your wealth?
• Will you ask GOD for purpose so HE will give you peace?