faith – Page 15 – Be Still…

2 Peter 1:5-11 – Remember the Promises

Today’s reading is a little more “duty” focused than usual. When we remember what God has done for us, and the promises he has made, we can’t help but want to please him. Right? Most of us, anyway, most of the time, at least.

If we are brutally honest with ourselves, as we should be, we need to realize that we aren’t perfect. Sometimes we forget we are sinful beings. Sometimes we forget how much we need a Savior. Sometimes it takes passages like this to remind us how we should be living our lives in response to God’s promises and provisions. Continue reading “2 Peter 1:5-11 – Remember the Promises”

2 Peter 1:1-4 – Greetings

Read 2 Peter 1:1-4

I am no Bible scholar. This devotional is meant for reflections only and to get you thinking about your relationship with God. I was however, taken by all of the discussion I read about the authorship of 2 Peter. If not Peter, then it was an individual who was an educated Greek speaker from a Jewish background. I am not going to get caught up in the “who” but only in the “what.” Let’s see what we can unpack today.

This letter opens with a standard greeting and time of thanksgiving. Is there anything in the opening that strikes you? I suppose for me it was the idea that my faith was given to me. I suppose when you think about it, where else would faith come from? It didn’t just appear, and apparently faith isn’t something we create in ourselves. Faith is precious and we should treat it that way. Continue reading “2 Peter 1:1-4 – Greetings”

1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living

Read 1 Peter 1:13-25

God has chosen you and set you apart to do mighty things. You may not feel all that special, and you might wonder what you could ever do to make a difference. I know, because I’ve questioned, too. I have never felt worthy to be used by God. However, when he does use me, there is no better feeling of accomplishment. My life matters. My purpose was for moments like those. Then I ask, how can I make more of them happen? When will God use me again?

The important thing is to never stop serving. We must seek holiness, and God will set us up for success in the kingdom. His word is clear. “You must be holy because I am holy.” We can often fall back into our old habits, so we need to take care to not do that. We have seen and felt what being holy feels like. We should never want that feeling to go away. Yet some stray. It’s inevitable. Even though we know better now.

Continue reading “1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living”

1 Peter 1:3-7 – Wonderful Joy, Precious Faith

Read 1 Peter 1:3-7

What do you feel when you imagine living forever with God? Overwhelming joy should flood your heart. It all started with what God did for you. Just thinking of that amazing gift should be a reason for expectant elation! We have a special place in eternity waiting for us! Our inheritance is priceless. We cannot buy our way into heaven. Jesus is the one who paid the price for us.

This passage is helpful as we all have trials and struggles. We are never promised a life on earth without trials. In fact, it is how we respond to trials that sets us apart. Do we let them get us down? Do we look for the lesson? I try to stay positive and never let negative things get me down. I am not always successful, but that is my intent. I try to help others keep a positive attitude, but it isn’t always easy. Sometimes it is impossible, and I only make the situation worse. Continue reading “1 Peter 1:3-7 – Wonderful Joy, Precious Faith”

Luke 9:10-17 – Hungry?

Read Luke 9:10-17

Never underestimate the power of God! Period.

I’ve loved this story since I was a child. It may be my first memory of Sunday School. Remember the felt boards? If you’re scratching your head, it was a great way to tell Bible stories. Felt boards, Bible characters, other cutout props for each story. Felt animation!

I can see it playing out, can’t you? The disciples are just back from their mission. You may recall just a few verses before Jesus had sent them out with NOTHING to teach about the Kingdom of God and to heal. Imagine the stories they came back with, eager to share with Jesus their wins! Actually, that would be God’s doing, they were just there. Continue reading “Luke 9:10-17 – Hungry?”