Saturday, March 17, 2018

PETER

Today’s Reading: 2 Peter 1-3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Along with many Christian symbols, statues and art, Rome also displays many gods. Here is a statue of Neptune (and a disrespectful seagull!). We may contrast the myth of “the sea god” with the One whom Peter calls “Our God and Saviour Jesus Christ!” Peter writes these words, “We did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: 2 Peter 1:15-16

And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

 

Peter sets out his intentions in writing this letter in the very first verse. He writes to “those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ [Messiah].” He makes it totally clear that he believes Jesus Christ is fully God! He continues throughout all three chapters by referring to Jesus as “Lord” eleven times! This is the Name for God used hundreds of times in Peter’s Bible, our Old Testament.

In 2 Peter 1, the Apostle states his total confidence in “the prophetic Word.” We’ve just completed Ezekiel, and tomorrow we’ll begin in Daniel (prophetic words). I’m sure we would have Peter’s approval for our Bible reading discipline.

In 2 Peter 2, Peter is very strong in his warnings about false teachers who prey on Christians. He uses the example of the false prophets that we’ve encountered over and over in our Old Testament readings to alert us to these dangers to our never-dying souls.

In 2 Peter 3, this first-hand witness to the glory of God in the Lord Jesus (he was present at the transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-8) now states the fact that “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (3:10a). He writes of our “beloved brother Paul” whose writings the “untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (3:16).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Saviour, I pray that as I read the Scriptures, the “precious faith” (first verse) of which Peter writes will grow in me as the last statement Peter writes encourages me. Grant the grace, the gift of daily discipline in studying Your Word, so that I will consistently “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (3:18). In His strong Name I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The Bible College from which I graduated, Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (now known as Masters College and Seminary), had a theme chorus which we students would often sing, including these words: “The Word of God! We’ll stand upon the Word of God! Though the foes of the Lord will scorn His Word, WE’LL STAND UPON THE WORD OF GOD!!!” My heart thrills as I sing it (under my breath because it’s still very early in the morning). In fact, after 6 a.m. I’ll go for a walk, find a place where I can raise my voice, and sing loudly!

I was greatly blessed when Ron’s wife, Ann, shared with Norma-Jean and me about a wonderful internet exchange (Ron and Ann format this blog for me to fill in the blanks and Ann is an excellent editor). I’ve been waiting for the right time to share her story on my blog (click here to read her short story). I pray that I will be like Ann, sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit every morning. On the TV series, Full Circle, Ann ended almost every episode with these words, “Remember, keep your eyes on Jesus; it’s all about Him!”

Yours for paying close attention to the powerful words written by the Apostle Peter,

David

P.S. I often think of the words of Peter and Jesus as spoken by the actors in the Son of God movie. Peter asks Jesus, “What are we going to do?” Jesus responds with these words, “CHANGE THE WORLD!!!” It’s St. Patrick’s day! He was a simple yet powerful world changer for Jesus who used the shamrock to teach the Trinity.

24 thoughts on “Saturday, March 17, 2018

  1. Yes, we’re changing the world for You, Jesus! There is no greater gift than spreading the seeds and sharing the Word of Your love, forgiveness, peace, and salvation. Indeed, we grow in that grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all the glory, both now and forever! Amen, amen, and amen! Wishing all saints a blessed day.

    Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
    Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
    Psalm 37:3-4 ESV

    The Love of God – Mercy Me (With Lyrics)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWnvmKoLWUU

  2. Good Morning Brothers and Sisters. In today’s reading, I was reminded of a Bible study by Kay Arthur on the book of 2 Peter, that I had attended back in June of 1989, and was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this poem. I thought I would hunt it up and share it with you all here. as it is from today’s Bible reading. Have a blessed day, everyone!

    KEYS TO LIFE

    In God’s Word the keys are found
    To righteous living through His Son;
    His power granting all that’s needed,
    Quotes Second Peter, Chapter One.

    First, in our faith supplying Virtue,
    Motives pure before our Lord,
    Which brings forth Knowledge that keeps building
    As we daily read His Word.

    Self Control means God’s in charge
    And not the human will,
    Blessed are they who yield completely,
    For their lives He shall fulfill.

    Perseverance means pressing on
    When trouble comes around,
    “Endure, Stand Firm” the Lord declares,
    “For My grace shall more abound.”

    Godliness, to be like Christ
    Is a simple definition;
    Doing that which is well-pleasing
    Will bring His recognition.

    Brotherly kindness, equally shared
    Will make our Father smile;
    Each to the other is Number One
    As we travel the Second Mile.

    Agape Love completes the list
    And is the master key;
    It’s God’s expression of His heart
    Through us eternally.

  3. Wow, Ann…..I love your story and I know that the Lord can truly work that way and we have only to be sensitive to Him to know His timing…..It was amazing how you obeyed and set an example to be shared here…..May the Lord bless and continue to use you…. Thank you again

    • Agreed–great encouragement, Ann–enjoyed the link. Wow–we sure are blessed, today. Isn’t it amazing, God’s love for us, through this blog? Ever thankful for all you saints–such a blessing in my life!!

  4. Amen, first of all concerning yesterday, I hope both Irene and Lianne benefited from my prayer as I will have to admit I got the names mixed up, no offense to you Irene. God bless you. In fact I pray for all the saints on this blog and wish you Shalom. And thank you Deanna for your poem which speaks to me this morning. And Ann I can relate to your story very well; thank you for sharing. Has been a great day in the Lord as you said Beverlee!

    • Thanks so much, Ger! I also pray for all the saints on here regularly, even though I don’t get around to posting very much. Blessings.

      • Deanna I also loved your poem thank you for sharing it with us.
        I also read Ann’s story I will certainly be listening for any prodding from above. Right now I am resting as I have developed a nasty cold. Just hoping my husband doesn’t get it that would be difficult for him after his back surgery . He is coming along slowly and will have his MRI on May 7 th. Since we are Irish my I wish you all A very Happy St Patricks Day

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