Wednesday Morning: 17 Jul 2019 – 2 Peter 3:1-18 ~ Look forward to the Day of the Lord.

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – 2 Peter 3:1-18 (NLT)

The Day of the Lord Is Coming

This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him — speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Peter’s Final Words

You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.
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Morning Reflection:

Look forward to the Day of the Lord.

On that day, he will set the heavens on fire,
and the elements will melt away in the flames.
But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised,
a world filled with God’s righteousness.
– 2 Peter 3:12-13 –

Peter concludes his second letter by responding to the question: “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again?” Peter then warns believers to live with the Day of the Lord (Jesus’ return) in mind – and with it the promise of a new heavens and earth.

“A scoffer is someone who treats lightly that which ought to be taken seriously.”
(Warren Wiersbe)

+ God is patient – The delay in Christ’s return is to allow unbelievers to be saved and believers to grow in faith. Further, God is Lord over all of creation – by his Word he created the heavens and the earth, and by his Word he sustains all things. Time itself is in God’s hands; God will do what he will do in his own time – at just the right time.

+ Judgement is certain – The Day of the Lord will usher in a time of judgement of unbelievers and destruction of the heavens and earth as we know it. But just as certain is the creation of new heavens and a new earth, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

+ Live with the end in mind – Live looking forward to the promise of the new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells. In the meantime, we are to be at peace with God, and work out our salvation by living godly lives (spotless and blameless).

While you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort
to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
-2 Peter 3:14 –

Questions for consideration:

If you knew that the “Day of the Lord” were to come tomorrow, would you do anything differently? How would it affect your relationship with God and others? What would you do to get ready? Please explain.
As we wait patiently for Christ’s return, do you know an unbeliever who needs to repent and turn to Christ to be saved from destruction? What part can you play in their reconciliation with God? Please explain.
What would it mean for you to “make every effort to live a peaceful life? Who comes to mind when you think of being a peacemaker? Please explain.
When you think of living a “pure and blameless life,” where does your life need work? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For the Unrepentant –

Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

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“O Zion haste” – Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 16 Jul 2019 – 2 Peter 2:1-22 ~ Beware of False Teachers.

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – 2 Peter 2:11-25 (NLT)

The Danger of False Teachers

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.

These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling. But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings.

These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong. But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.

These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”
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Morning Reflection:

Beware of False Teachers.

So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials,
even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
– 2 Peter 2:9 –

Beware of false teachers! Today’s reading is filled with passion for the well-being of believers who are in danger of being led astray by teaching contrary to that of the prophets and apostles.

So what can we learn today from Peter’s warning concerning false teachers?

+ Characteristics: They are deceptive and destructive, misinterpreting God’s Word. Their teaching is inconsistent with the revealed truth of God. They deny the teaching and practices associated with Christ. They are often in it for the money.

+ Consequences: The eventual destruction of unbelievers – Peter offers three examples of unbelievers who faced God’s wrath; fallen angels, the ungodly sinners of Noah’s day, and the ungodly sinners of Lot’s time. Peter’s concern here are unbelievers who set themselves up as moral authorities (false teachers).

+ Conduct: Peter cites shameful immorality and greed. “I did it my way” is their theme. They are driven by the basest of human instincts, practicing adultery and sexual perversity while urging believers to do the same. Good and evil are inverted and they refuse to submit to the authority of God’s Word.

The good news is – God will not only punish the wicked , but He will also rescue the godly from their trials.

Questions for consideration:

When you think of “false teachers” in and around the church, who comes to mind? Please explain.
Have you personally ever been influenced by what you later discovered was a “false teacher”? Please explain.
Do you believe that the Bible can be read and understood by ordinary people? Or do you believe that you need someone else to tell you what it means? Please explain.
If you rely on a “teacher” to tell you what the Bible means, how do you know that they’re telling you the truth? Please explain.
How often do you read the Bible by yourself? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer in Preparation for Studying God’s Word –

Lord, thank you for this time you’ve given me to open your Word and discover who you are. Thank you for not leaving me in the dark about who you are and what you are doing in the world. Thank you for revealing yourself and your will through the Bible, your inspired Word to me.

Lord, give me wisdom as I read your Word. You promise that I only have to ask for wisdom in order to receive it. Lord, please give me your wisdom now as I approach your word. Help me discern the truth of this text. Help me to listen to your Spirit, and not simply rely on my own understanding. Thank you God for the clarity, encouragement and hope your Word brings.

I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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“Open My Eyes That I May See” – Joslin Grove Choral Society

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 15 Jul 2019 – 2 Peter 1:12-21 ~ Pay close attention to God’s Word.

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – 2 Peter 1:12-21 (NLT)

Paying Attention to Scripture

Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
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Morning Reflection:

Pay close attention to God’s Word.

You must pay close attention to what they wrote,
for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns,
and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
– 2 Peter 1:19 –

Today Peter gives us a choice – Do we accept the Bible as God’s word – our sole authority for faith and practice – or do we accept the words of false teachers who disagree with the clear teaching of the Bible?

Peter remembers his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration – it was like a light shining into a darkened heart, like the Morning Star which summons the dawning of a new day – the day of the Lord, when Christ returns in glory. Peter’s personal experience served to strengthen his faith and confidence in the Word of God – a light in the darkness on his journey to eternal life.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe the Bible is the word of God, written by prophets and apostles who were inspired by the Holy Spirit? How reliable do you believe the Bible to be? Please explain.
Do you believe that God can speak personally to you through the Bible? What role does the Holy Spirit play? How often do you read the Bible yourself? Please explain.
Have you ever found yourself in a dark place spiritually? What was that like? Where are you now spiritually? Please explain.
Have you found God’s Word to be a light in your darkness, a guide to redirect on your journey to eternal life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Guidance –

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Word Of God Speak” – MercyMe

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Friday Morning: 12 Jul 2019 – 1 Peter 5:1-14 ~ Stand firm in God’s grace.

Friday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – 1 Peter 5:1-14 (NLT)

Advice for Elders and Young Men

And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

Peter’s Final Greetings

I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet each other with a kiss of love.

Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
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Morning Reflection:

Stand firm in God’s grace.

My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you
that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you.
Stand firm in this grace.
– Peter 5:12b –

How then should we live when faced with suffering for Christ?

Elders: In view of the inevitability of trials and God’s judgment, Peter addresses those who are entrusted with the responsibility of oversight (elders/pastors) of congregations of believers.

+ Serve God’s people willingly because of eagerness to serve God.
+ Lead God’s people with humility by setting a godly example.

All Believers: Peter reminds us that believers all around the world are facing the same trials and temptations that we face. Why is that? Because we all face the same great enemy – the devil, who prowls the world seeking to deceive and destroy God’s people. So what can we do in the face of this pervasive, destructive force?

+ Humble ourselves under the mighty power of God, trusting him to raise us up in honor.
+ Give all our worries and cares to God, believing in his steadfast love.
+ Watch out and stand firm against the schemes of the devil, and grow stronger in faith.
+ Remember God has called us to share in his eternal glory through faith in Jesus Christ.
+ Trust in God’s loving-kindness to restore, support, and strengthen us, by placing us on the firm foundation of his grace.

Questions for consideration:

Are you connected with other believers in a church? Is there a person who is charged with the care of your soul – an elder (pastor)? What sort of relationship do you have with that person? Please explain?
Peter urges us to humble ourselves under the mighty power of God. What does that mean for you? How does that work out in your life? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that Satan has attempted to deceive you, or steal your joy, or even destroy your faith? How did you resist? Please explain.
Where do you need to stand firm in God’s grace today? What part does God’s loving-kindness and your faith play in standing firm?

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Morning Prayer: For Standing Firm

Gracious God, you hold the victory over sin and death in this world.

Thank you for calling us into Your family through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the freedom and hope he gives us.

Through the power of his Name, enable us to stand firm against the deceit and schemes of the evil one. Thank you for the power of your Word and Spirit at work within us shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware.

Give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy in our lives that we may stand strong against his work. And remind to pray earnestly and regularly for all believers who face the same trails and tribulations that we do, and even far worse.

Gracious God, we stand solidly on the firm foundation you have given us through faith in Jesus Christ, in him we live and move and have our being, and it’s in his Name we pray. Amen.
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“Stand In Your Love” – Josh Baldwin (Bethel Music)

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday Morning: 10 Jul 2019 – 1 Peter 3:1-22 ~ Be prepared to explain your hope in Christ.

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

Morning Reading – 1 Peter 3:1-22 (NLT)

Wives

In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

Husbands

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

All Christians

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Suffering for Doing Good

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.
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Morning Reflection:

Be prepared to explain your hope in Christ.

“You must worship Christ as Lord of your life.
And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”
– 1 Peter 3:15 –

Today’s reading refers back to Chapter 2, in the same way, re: the discussion of respecting authority and doing good, even in the face of injustice. The general idea is that believers should live such good and exemplary lives that their neighbors, and even their oppressors, would see how they live and ask, “What makes you different?”

What sort of behavior does Peter have in mind?

+ Believers should exhibit unity, sympathy, love, tenderness, and humility.
+ Believers should bless those who insult and oppress them.
+ Believers should be honest, speak the truth, do good and work for peace.

These facets of Christian living are straightforward enough when life is good; but what about when our lives turn sour – at home, at work, at church, or in our communities? But that’s Peter’s point; expect suffering as a believer and when you experience it, here’s how you should behave in order to honor Jesus Christ whom you serve.

Look at the contexts that Peter identifies.

+ Wives: Respect husbands even when it’s difficult because they’re unbelievers.
+ Husbands: Respect and honor wives as equal partners in God’s gift of new life.
+ Enemies: Love them and bless them, even as God has loved and blessed us.

In sum: It’s because of our exemplary lifestyle as believers tat people will ask us about our faith.

Questions for consideration:

Has anyone ever asked you about the hope you have in Jesus Christ? Please explain.
As you review the positive facets of Christian living that Peter cites, which ones do you think you exemplify? Which ones need work? Please explain.
In your experience, what context is most difficult to love and bless an oppressor, or enemy? Please explain.
What would you say is the reason for your hope in Christ? Can you explain it in less than 5 minutes? Try it.

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Morning Prayer:For Families –

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you set the solitary in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and true godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy matrimony, have been made one flesh; turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be joined to one another with bonds of loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Glorious Day (Living He loved me)” – Casting Crowns