Angel Visit [Part 5]

Lk. 2: 36

And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God. 

Elizabeth and Zechariah were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. Zechariah was a priest who served in the temple on a rotation basis. On one such day, he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense while the people prayed outside. But inside something happened that was totally unexpected. An angel of the Lord appeared to him. Zechariah was greatly troubled at this event. [Perhaps not the best response from a priest of the Lord.] The angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." 

After such an announcement Zechariah's heart should have been bursting with joy, but no. His need to understand superseded his joy. How could this be since he and his wife were old?  His doubt did not set well with the angel who very quickly responded.  I am Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." Yikes! Why was Zechariah's heart doubting? He and his wife had been described as blameless in regard to the commandments and statutes of the Lord. Was his ministry merely a an outward obedience? Could it be that he was so old that this totally caught him off guard? Was he so set in his ways that he could not imagine or handle an appearance of an angel? Whatever was driving his response, he would have a time of silence to meditate on what he had done and on what Gabriel had told him.

The people waiting outside the temple were concerned for Zechariah. Had something happened? Was he alive? Finally, he came out but unable to speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision. His countenance must have been greatly altered. Trying to make signs, he could not communicate at all, and at the end of his service went home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among the people. For Elizabeth it was the answer to many years of praying. She was no long barren! Her reproach was lifted! Such good news could not but turn her heart heavenward. 

Since the angel's words to Mary, she came to visit. Making the journey quickly, she entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. And as soon as Elizabeth heard this greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Both women could see the Lord's hand in all of this. How exciting to be the birth mother of these two boys, to feel the Holy Spirit so strongly, and to be part of God's plan for all mankind. All around a very joyful time! 

Why would John leap in his mother's womb? Gabriel had said the baby would be great before the Lord, not drinking wine or strong drink, filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb...Even though it did not come as a shock to the couple or to Mary, it validated all the angelic message. In essence John was leaping for joy at Jesus' entry to this world. For these two boys, their lives would be short, but they would be used by God in phenomenal ways!

Father,

Prepare my heart to hear all You have for me. Help my fear or doubt not hinder Your working in my life. I confess many times I do fear and doubt. Lord, work in my life in this area. Strengthen my every resolve for good so that it will be totally done in Your strength.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Wise Men and Angel visits [Part 3 & 4]

Mt. 2

Between Ch. 1 and Ch.2 of Matthew as much as a year had passed since the birth of Jesus. But in God's timing the wise man had traveled a great distance following His star [a specially ordained star with a mission]. They automatically assumed that the birth of a king would take place in a palace so they went to Herod asking where this king was. Obviously, this was very troubling to Herod since he was the king [evil though he was, with a reputation for killing many including his wife, several sons, and other relatives]. The news spread throughout Jerusalem and caused a disconcerting atmosphere. He assembled the chief priests and scribes to get some answers. They knew of the prophecy. And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Herod pointed them in the direction of Bethlehem asking them to come back and report to him that they had found this king. Yet, even with all this notoriety, the chief priests and scribes had no interest in going. They did not even send someone to accompany the wise men. Did they discount the prophecy? 

After hearing all Herod had to say, they went on to Bethlehem. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Frankincense is resin and was the only incense permitted on the altar. Myrrh is sap used in incense, perfume, and as a stimulant tonic. The gifts could have been used in the family's flight to Egypt since Joseph was not a man of means.

After the wise men had gone, Joseph was visited by an angel warning him of the danger of staying in Bethlehem. [Their flight to Egypt was prophesied as well.] When Herod realized he had been fooled, he furiously organized a search for all the male children 2 years and under. This search was their death sentence! What an evil man! The prophet described this time as, A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more. 

When Herod died, another angel appeared in a dream to Joseph while he was in Egypt. He was instructed to go back to Israel. The time was now safe. But when he heard that Archelaus was king over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to return to Bethlehem. He was warned in a dream to withdraw to the area of Galilee. He settled in Nazareth. [So that what was prophesied would be fulfilled. He shall be called a Nazarene.] It's amazing how all of Jesus' own people had not connected the dots between all the prophecies. Wouldn't the deaths of male children have awakened an understanding of Scriptures. Perhaps not all knew the Scriptures as well as the chief priests and scribes, but didn't these religious leaders have a responsibility to lead and teach the people. Certainly this ignorance explains their reactions to Jesus during his earthly ministry. Regardless my response must be one like the wise men. He must be the one that I worship offering all that is valuable in my life. 

Father,

Thank You for the birth, growth, and life of Your Son. Jesus thank You for enduring all the hatred and thoughtless of men. Thank You for being my salvation and drawing me to Yourself. I worship You today.

In Your name,

Amen

Angel Visits [Part 1 &2 ]

Mt. 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

After Mary had been engaged to Joseph and before they had been together, she became pregnant. What were her thoughts? Was she afraid? I am sure that many people were gossiping and giving her looks. If it had not been for the Holy Spirit, they would have been right. Lk. 2 tells us that she had an angel visit. Gabriel said to her, Greetings O favored one, the Lord is with you. She was troubled to say the least, but Gabriel had more to say. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. Even if Mary would have bought in to this wholeheartedly, she wondered how would this happen. She was a virgin. Gabriel spoke again, And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. I love Mary's attitude, submissive, trusting, accepting. Let it be to me according to Your word. 

What a sentence! It says it all. This should definitely be my attitude toward the word. When I read the Word, I should be willing and receptive to it even if it is outside of my comfort zone. But I also think a about the power of the Most High overshadowing her. Was she cognizant of what was happening? I know in Ps. 91 this power is protecting and comforting. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Truly she was sheltered and dwelling close to God. Jesus was that union between God and man even from His inception. 

Joseph was a good and kind man who did not want to humiliate Mary in anyway. He resolved to divorce her quietly, that is until an angel visited him in a dream. He told Joseph not to fear marrying her, that the baby was from the Holy Spirit, and that His name would Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. All of this mirrored OT teaching and prophecy. When Joseph woke up, He obeyed the angel and married Mary. He refrained from knowing Mary until the child Jesus was born. 

Both of their hearts and lives had been drastically changed. Mary had so much to ponder. The Son of God within her womb; the conception through the Holy Spirit, and her soon-to-be husband. I identify with Joseph and Mary in the fact that Jesus changes all things. He gives new life that transforms. When the Holy Spirit and Jesus work in the life that life is never the same.

Father,

What a gift! Thank You. What Joseph and Mary had in an angel visit, I have in the word of God. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Blessing and the Witness of Anna

Lk. 2

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

What insight God had given Simeon! After blessing Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, He told them of Jesus' future. And exactly what he said did come true! Many would rise and fall in Israel, the fall of those who were arrogant and Pharisaical, and the rise of those who would find salvation in Jesus. Simeon also said that Jesus was a sign that is opposed. Simeon was foretelling of the future opposition to Jesus, and there was much culminating in His crucifixion. 

Also the second part, and a sword will pierce through your own soul also. This was referring to the grief that Mary would witness at the crucifixion of her own son. But all of this was for a purpose. It would reveal human hearts. Jesus was the living word of God. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us...Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.  This is exactly what Jesus did. He knew the thoughts and intents of every heart and was able to respond accordingly revealing underlying motives. 

Anna, the prophetess, was in the temple continually worshiping God with fasting and praying night and day for year upon years. She was a humble servant of the Lord. Often the Lord reveals things to those who are humble, and He did this to Anna as well. At the very hour of Jesus' presentation, she gave thanks to God and began to speak of Jesus to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. The text does not say if she had actually seen Jesus, but she knew who He was. Many people waited for the redemption of Israel, but when it came, it was not how they had imagined it. So their hearts turned to bitter rejection. 

Father,

I think God that You have chosen me to be Your child, that You nourished the condition of my heart so that I could love and adore You and Jesus. What a great God You are!

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Simeon and Jesus

Lk. 2:22-33

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

This account, telling of the presenting of Jesus in the temple, speaks to "Joseph and Mary's overall piety, their faithfulness to God, and their keeping of the law." When it was time for purification according to the law, they traveled to Jerusalem. Not realizing the effect that Jesus would have, Joseph and Mary were amazed at the response of Simeon. Through the working of the Spirit, Simeon knew that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. Jesus was only an infant, and yet Simeon recognized who he was  How amazing!  He took Jesus in His arms and blessed God saying, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 

What spiritual insight! He knew what was included in this great salvation, that is the light of revelation to the Gentiles. He knew this mystery of the Gentiles before even the apostles knew. Jesus was also glory to Israel. John says The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Sadly not many Israelites rejoiced in or realized the glory of Jesus. Instead they crucified Him. Yet there was a remnant who loved Jesus and were willing to die for Him.

I wonder did Simeon fully understand what he said? Did he know about God's plan for the Gentiles? Regardless, when the Spirit reveals something,  it is totally accurate. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"--these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. How amazing is the plan of God! How carefully crafted! 

This same Spirit, who revealed so much to Simeon, now indwells all those who name the name of Jesus, those who admit their need, confessing and repenting, and those who reach out for Jesus as their Savior. As the Spirit revealed much to Simeon, so He reveals much to believers. He teaches us the word and brings to our remembrance what Jesus has said. He also convicts of sin so that we may not dull the light of Jesus in our lives. The Spirit was Jesus' gift to His followers and what a tremendous gift He is! Like Simeon, we may say our eyes have seen and embraced  His salvation, a light for the Gentiles. 

Thank You, Father. Your plan has transformed our lives. Thank You, Jesus for humbling Yourself to come to earth and endure all that it means to be human. Thank You Spirit for indwelling us. Through You we may see clearly into our spirits, cleansing, confessing, rejoicing, and growing in Jesus. I am truly blessed!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Christmas

Lk. 1:26-33

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

Lk. 2:4-20

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the  laying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

How wonderful that God came to dwell with man! In His name, Jesus, there is such power. In His life is the hope of all man. In His coming to the shepherds and in a stable, He opened the way for the poor, the humble, the often overlooked to come to Jesus. Empty religion has remained with the rich, the educated, and the elite. To the poor and the humble He has given a relationship with God Himself. Like Mary, I say, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts, He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate, He has filled the hungry, and the rich He has sent away empty. 

Praise God for His wonderful gift! Praise God for Jesus! Praise God for who He is and what He has done.

Father,

Keep my heart free of competition and the striving for human perfection. Help me to rest in Your gift of Jesus, to exalt You my father, and to have a heart centered on things above.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Therefore [Part 2]

2 Pet. 1:12-15

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Peter begins this section, with a Therefore. In this case, he is referring to everything from v. 3  to v. 11. It is so heavy on his heart and so needful for believers that he always needs to remind them of these qualities. They should be in the forefront of their minds, in their prayers, and in their exhortations to one another. Peter goes to explain that even though the believers know them and are firmly established in the faith, they still need reminding. Why? Initially, these areas shape the entire Christian walk. These are the identifying mark of believers. They are the path to living worthy of the call to which we have been called.  Secondly, they are the very areas that Satan uses to detract the Christian from his calling and election. He very cleverly get the believer to think that these areas are a matter of personality or that they are justified in their failures because of their situation, experiences, and relationships. Thirdly, these are the areas that our flawed human flesh clings to with all the strength of the old nature. And because of all this, we need constant reminding. Satan seems to cloud our vision when it comes to these qualities. We cave most readily when it comes to having these qualities in our lives.

Peter says it is right for him to do this because his years left in this earthly body are few. He realizes his time is at hand. Perhaps Peter attitude reflects Ps. 71:17-18. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim Your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hair, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come. Even though he is not going to live to ripe old age and even as he knows his execution is coming soon, he stills feels an urgency to share these qualities with those who are to follow. All his efforts now are so that the believers will be able to recall these qualities after he is gone. In fact this brief letter is his final reminder to the churchers. These qualities are heavy on his heart. He wants those who know Jesus to live a life fully pleasing to God. 

Father,

I see the urgency and the importance of living with and by my new nature. I confess I often fall in these areas not just in my relationships but in my private life. Give me clarity to see Satan's ploys in all of these qualities. Jesus, I need Your strength to stand and walk as I should. Help me.

In Your name,

Amen

Therefore...[Part 1]

2 Pet. 1:10-11

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore brothers begins Peter's conclusion to this passage. Therefore in light of all the teaching previously given, that is, being granted all things pertaining to life and godliness, being granted the precious and very great promises, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, being taught the qualities of a believer [faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, and love], and being warned about the necessity of the qualities, Peter gives an added warning. If there are any doubts in in the minds of believers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election. 

What is our calling? God calls believers to faith in Him through the gospel. For by grace you have been saved, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in Him. Peter also mentions election which was accomplished before the foundation of the world. Without elections there would be no call. Not only our salvation, but also our good works were prepared beforehand. Peter is asking believers to examine their hearts. Do they remember a salvation experience? Have they seen evidences of their salvation and election? Do they have the witness of the Spirit in their lives? Are they concerned about growing in the Lord? These questions are not just for the actual recipients of this letter, but they are for all believers. Have we been diligent in this confirmation? It is not something to be postponed for another day. It is not something to be ignored. It is a urgent matter. Make sure! 

If believers practice these qualities. they will not fall. Fall where? Into a continual sin pattern! Don't be lulled into a lackadaisical life style, one that is content with a little of Jesus. This is religion and not Christianity! Embracing these qualities is a serious and constant  commitment. Jesus demands our all. The person who thinks that attending church is enough will be in for a bitter surprise. So before it is too late, make sure of your calling and election. With eternity as the stakes, there no apathy.

In addition to not falling, there will be richly provided for the believer an entrance in the the kingdom of Jesus. I love the word richly. It speaks to me of the glorious splendor of this kingdom: The glorious splendor of His majesty, the might of His awesome deeds, the fame of His abundant goodness and righteousness, the everlasting kingdom and dominion. [Ps 145] What we have in Jesus is far beyond human comprehension. For now these descriptors are words on a page, but in that day we shall see it all. We shall Jesus and know Him as He is. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever. 

Father,

My heart is elated with all I have in Jesus. Thank You! I know that my calling and election are sure. But what I am concerned about is if these qualities are increasing in my life. Spirit, guide me so that I may make right choices, so that these qualities are ever increasing.Grow me into the image of Your Son.  Lord, I do not want to be apathetic or content without growing. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Results

2 Pet. 1: 8-9

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

In these verses, Peter shares the end results of verses 5-7. But why does he begin with an 'if'clause'? Perhaps he is leaving room for the believer to examine his heart. Regardless of the reason, these verses clearly establish the purpose of the list. It is growth! Not growth by human effort, but by relying on the grace of God. Paul put it this way. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. It is that inter-working of human diligence with God's grace that is so hard to understand but yet so pleasing to God. 

A believer who loves the Lord desires these qualities above all because fruitfulness and effectiveness are outward evidences of the Spirit of God working in their lives. No believer wants to look like he or she has stagnated. But if  believers have no desire to grow, they are so nearsighted that they are blind. Spiritual blindness! Ouch! What a horrible place to be! How it must grieve the heart of God. Their vision is diseased. Matthew says, The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! Poor spiritual vision has devastating effects. These believers have forgotten what Jesus accomplished for them. They no longer view the cross as something precious and lasting, something that has cleansed them from their former sins. Perhaps they have replaced true spirituality for a human counterfeit. On the outside they appear somewhat alright, but their heart is far removed. Much like the Pharisees! What a sad state of affairs! 

It is wise for every Christian to examine his life. As Peter says in his first letter, For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? The judgment that belongs to the unsaved is horrendous. And this same judgment belongs to those who are counterfeit, to those who are not growing and whose vision is diseased by a Satan-empowered virus. When I look at my heart, I see the Spirit working and growing me, but I also see a careless attitude about identifying and confessing sin. I do not ever want to have diseased eyes!

Father,

I confess my lack of confession, my not dealing with sin when I see it, and my not even seeing the sin. Spirit, sharpen my vision. Let me see clearly. Take me back to the cross to see the heinousness of my sin. Grow me in these qualities. I so want to be fruitful and effective for You. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

For This Reason [Part 6]

2 Pet. 1:5-7

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Of course, when I think of love, I think of 1 Cor. 13. Love never fails. Without love as the motivation behind actions, those actions are nothing. The best that can be hoped for is sounding like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. The love described in this chapter is not the love found in the world, but in truth, is the love received only when the soul is right with God. Once the divine nature has been implanted, then love has the potential to be kind, patient, never arrogant or rude, never insisting on its own way, never irritable or resentful, never rejoicing in the wrong, but rejoicing in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things.  How is love like this even possible? It is impossible apart from Jesus Christ. But in Christ, I can love like He did. 

Another key passage reveals the command to love: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." In the life the vertical is first before love flows out in the horizontal. Loving God and responding to His love given in Jesus are essential before we can love others. But this love goes far beyond loving those whom we choose or even those who love us. "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Just as Christ loved the world and sacrificed His life for it, so we must love the world.

John reinforces this command, but at the same time enlarges on the command.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Love is to be the mark of identification for the believers. It is supposed to be our reputation to the world. But instead the world knows the church as a bunch of hypocrites not a bunch of loving people. We, the body of Christ, have a great distance to go to alter that perception. 

If we love God [and all believers must], then we are to obey. Obey what? If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Love is the motivation behind our obedience to the Word of God. God reached out His love to us by offering the life of His Son, we respond to God in love by obeying His word, by turning from self-love to love of others, and by sharing the love of God with those who know him not. Coupled with this idea, is the idea of dwelling. But Jesus answered him, If anyone loves me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him. The love of the Father and a home! What amazing love is this! As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 

And to top all that off.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him  who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels or rulers, nor things present or nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Why? Because Jesus Christ indwells. He has found a home in our hearts,and because the God of the universe, the maker and planner of all things, has declared it so. What better reason to love? So finally, Let love be genuine. Love sincerely and in all truth.

Father,

Your love and the love described here seems impossible to me, I am so very flawed and selfish. But I know that I am Yours and that Your Spirit can grow Your love in my heart. Grow me in Your love. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

For This Reason [Part 5]

2 Pet. 1:3-7

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 

Brotherly affection brings several thoughts to my mind. First, I think of the physical affection within the family unit. Not just for brothers but for siblings. Even though you would think that loving family members would be easy, not so. In the home, is where the true self is exposed. In some cases family members never talk or even have anything to do with one another. However, I think this passage refers to the affection that should exist between fellow believers. If a sibling is a believer, this should make the relationship even stronger by erasing some of the baggage that siblings carry around. Rom. 12:10 says, Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. The passage in Rom. 12 develops the marks or evidences of a Christian, what should be in his or her life. Beginning in v. 9, it says, Let love be genuine. This leads me to believe that the brotherly affection in v. 10 differs from the love in verse. 9. 

The command to love with brotherly affection is stated is stated in such a way that it is all -inclusive. No exception exists! Christ died to enable us to be partakers of the divine nature, a nature that is most seen in love, love of the Father and love of the Son.  Anything less than affection for our believing brothers is sin! This fact alone should make us examine our hearts. Are we loving them as we should? Or are we just ignoring certain brothers and sisters so as not to make waves? This affection must be genuine! God looks on the heart! We may be able to fool people but not God!

The Holy Spirit plays a big role in our having brotherly affection. Gal. 5:22-26 lists love as the first quality of the fruit of the Spirit, a Spirit who is resident within us to grow us in this love. But at the end of this passage is a verse that says, Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Yikes! Apparently these are common issues when brotherly affection is lacking. Conceited about what? Maybe spiritual gifts or prominence in the church leadership. It could also be financial blessing which is obvious in a better house, clothes, or even advantages for children. Eph. 4:32 says, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Would there be a need for the command if we were kind, tender, and forgiving all the time? No, it is command because this is our horrible potential apart from the Spirit. 

Then I think of the 'put off' and 'put on' passages.  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. This is our new life in Christ! Obviously, this command for brotherly affection calls for our putting to death what is earthly in us: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry...But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. And why? We must put off the old self in order to put on the new!

2 Pet. is exactly this! It is a listing of what our new self looks like. Have I forgotten that I was cleansed from my former sins? Do I live in the reality of of the evidences or marks of a Christian? Do I live in the reality of the indwelling Holy Spirit? God has given me His divine nature and His precious and very great promises. Am I living like a son, adopted into the family of God? Am I quick to obey what I read in His Word?

Father,

I confess holding on to some of the evil behaviors of my former self. Forgive me. Grant me Your strength, power, and grace that I might life in obedience to You. Help me, convict me. Whatever it takes, keep growing me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

For This Reason [Part 4]

2 Pet. 1:5-7

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

The Greek translation of godliness is devoutness, piety, devotion to God. Just from looking at the word itself, I would think it would mean 'becoming like God.'  1 Timothy speaks specifically to women. ...but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.  So what precedes the but?  Women should be respectable in their appearance, not drawing excessive attention to hair or jewelry. Instead they are to be clothed in their godliness that is their good works, their countenance, and their submissive spirit. For the most part, women like clothes. So in this case, it is taking off one garment of ungodliness and putting on one of godliness. 

However, godliness intersects more areas than appearance. When it comes to the mind, Timothy goes on to say, Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; Perceiving with the mind is key to even knowing what godliness is about. So mucking about in every new fad that comes along is foolish. Romans says, Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that by testing  you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Definitely a godly mind would be a transformed mind. But to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. A godly person would definitely have a spiritual mind set. Finally, we are to be united in the same mind and the same judgment. How is this even possible? Because we are to have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. 

Another area crucial to godliness is the area of exercise. In our culture, exercise has become a new fad. For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Even as good as exercise is in maintaining good health, still godliness is a better pursuit. The reward of godliness is eternal. This life is only a short blip compared to eternity. Where should my emphasis be?

But godliness with contentment is great gain...Contentment is a quality that few possess even in the Christian community. But it is a key marker for godliness. If we are content in Christ, we are not wanting to fill up any gaps in our life with anything but Jesus. Contentment reduces the ill effects of materialism and wealth. To be content in Christ is a thing to be desired.

And finally, godliness should be pursued. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. We are to be like God in our substance not just in what God has implanted within us. We must grow, pursue, and desire godliness.

By way of review, women are to be clothed in their godliness [good deeds and appearance]. We must keep our minds godly by filtering out what shouldn't be in our minds at all, and by living in the reality of a transformed mind. Godliness must trump exercise which doesn't mean exercise is to be avoided. And finally contentment must be in the life, without it, there is no godliness.

Father,

I have wanted to be godly for so long, like the Sarah from 1 Pet. Lord, as I do this study take me on this path. In Your grace and strength, grant me to gorw in godliness.

In Jesus name,

Amen

For This Reason [Part 3]

2 Pet. 1:5-7

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.and self-control with steadfastness...

Since self-control is so obviously lacking in many areas of my life and when I read steadfastness, I immediately thought that I was doing well in this quality. I do what I say I will do. I am a faithful person. But I wonder is this all there is to steadfastness. This quality is often mentioned in reference to God. Ps. 145: 8 says,  The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. This verse is based on Ex. 34:5-6 where it says, The Lord descended in a cloud and stood with him [ Moses] there and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness , keeping steadfast love for thousands. This quality is part of the name of God, and He abounds in it. That is a game changer for me. There is no way that I could hope to have this quality in my life apart from the grace and power of God, apart from being a partaker of the divine nature. 

I see this divine model in Jesus as well. 2 Thess. 3:1-5 speaks about this quality. The context of this passage is that Paul asked for prayer for himself and his team that they would be delivered from wicked and evil men. In spite of these men and persecution, Paul was confident that the Lord would be with the Thessalonians protecting them from the evil one. He was confident that they would obey all that Paul had taught them. He ends with a benediction that says,  May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. To stand faithfully in persecution they needed to know and mediate on the steadfastness of Christ. He will never leave them. Nothing happens to them apart from the sovereign will and plan of God. And the same is true for me. 

But how is this quality seen in me. There are many mentions of this quality in reference to the early church. Phrases like,  your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ;   steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.;    Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ;  the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ;And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Well it is clear that tests, trials, and persecutions result in steadfastness, and that it is linked to our hoping in Jesus. The Christian life is a race that we must run with endurance keeping our eyes on Jesus because He is our hope. This puts a positive spin on trials and persecutions. They grow us in this vital quality of steadfastness and transform us into the image of Christ. And when steadfastness is firmly established and operational in our lives, the end result is maturity. We will attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. He is our maturity and our hope. What we hope in becomes what we are!

Father,

Thank You for Your steadfastness. You are always abounding in love and faithfulness. Grow me in in Your Son to maturity, to the measure of the fullness of Christ. The end result is glorious, but the path to get there is hard. Help me be steadfast. 

In His name,

amen

For This Reason [Part 2]

2 Pet. 1:5-7

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.and knowledge with self-control, 

Whether or not these traits come in chronological order or not, they are all a visible evidence of the indwelling Christ and His Spirit [2 Pet. 1: 5-7]. Since I have already written about virtue and knowledge, I am moving on to self-control. I know from personal experience that having self-control is hugely difficult, and that is even in the smallest of areas. Trying to implement this quality without the strength and grace of God is nearly impossible. Prov. 25:28 says that a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. In this case, self-control is needed for defense. Without it, total destruction. When self-control is not working in a life, then there is anger, temper, irritation, flying off the handle, and any number of negative behaviors. 

In addition to Peter,  Paul compares self-control to an athlete's discipline. [1 Cor. 9: 24-27 ]. In a race all runners run, but only one receives the prize. In v. 25 it says, Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Self-control is vital for the win. As for Paul personally, he states that he does not run the Christian life aimlessly, but keeps his eye on the goal, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He doesn't beat the air aimlessly, but instead never loses sight of his goal. It is ever before his eyes. He disciplines his body keeping it under control. Without this focus on the eternal prize, self-control becomes nearly impossible. 

Self-control is also a fruit of the Spirit. That means that we have our own personal internal coach 24/7. He is there to grow us in self-control as well as in love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. God has given us all we need to walk by His Spirit and in His light, to walk in self-control. The Spirit convicts us when we go off the path, and He can brings us back on the right way. He can keep the prize constantly before our eyes if we ask Him. Strangely enough, I don't think that I have asked the Spirit to keep the prize before my eyes. And this is one that I must do!

Timothy also wrote about self-control.[2 Tim. 1:7] He says that God gave us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. Oh my! This is spiritual gift from God Himself. When I constantly lack self-control am I throwing the gift back in His face? Am I an ingrate to the One who sent His Son to save me and make me His child? His cost was great. Is my self-control commensurate with the cost?  Am I using the Spirit, the precious and very great promises, and the indwelling Spirit? God has given me so very much, and still my flesh betrays me time after time. 

Father,

My heart is deeply grieved this morning. I have failed miserably when it comes to self-control. You conquered my temper, and my heart rejoices about that. I need help in self-control. I cry out for help. Even though these areas are not as big or destructive as a temper, they are the little foxes that reek havoc in my vineyard. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

For This Reason [Part 1]

2 Pet. 1:5-7

For this reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

For the reason that believers have everything that pertains to life and godliness at their disposal, and for the reason that believers have been granted the precious and very great promises, we are to grow up into Him. Our lives are to be ever changing into the image of Jesus. However, this list does not begin a list of legalistic 'musts,' [vs. 5-7], but it reflects the desires and behaviors of one who has been transformed by the grace of God. All the exhortations to live a new life are grounded in the these two glorious promises. There could never be a foundation better than this!

Concerned that his readers would think confessing Jesus would be the end-game, Peter exhorted them to live as Christ lived. However, what he is not saying that salvation requires works to be complete; instead, he is saying that works are the living results of salvation. Faith must have a visible form! Since all the things listed in verses 5-7 are a result of faith, faith is listed first. It is the foundational truth if one is to grow in Christ. There would be no fruit of the Spirit if the Spirit were not in the life. Saving faith in itself is a gift of God and the essential element for growth in the Spirit. 

The first quality is virtue. The word 'excellence' [in v. 3] is the same Greek word translated as virtue in v.5. Virtue then would be living in His excellence, an excellence that was part of our God-issued call.  Obviously, His excellence was foundational to our salvation and was the means by which He has called us. His excellence must become our virtue. Not just mere moral excellence, but moral excellence by God's standards. So it makes sense that this God-implanted divine nature would be uniquely related to virtue. It must begin with God and His gift of saving grace and faith and then grow into virtue. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

To this virtue, believers must add knowledge. What comes to mind, is  grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Whenever I see grow, I think fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit is needed for growth in knowledge to be complete.  Romans says, Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Knowledge will never be complete until God calls us home. So for this life, studying, reading, memorizing, meditating are all actions that are a must if we are to have knowledge. Eph. 1:17 says, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. In 2 Cor. 8:7 it says, But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you--see that you excel in this act of grace also.  Finally, this knowledge cannot be complete by study alone, but it also needs prayer. This knowledge must be granted by God as the believer soaks himself in the Word of God. And with how much intensity? I need to excel!  Give it all I have!

Father,

Help me understand and apply virtue and knowledge. Grow me through Your Spirit. I ask that You would grant me this knowledge and understanding. I want to excel for You. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Grant [Part 2]

2 Pet 1:4

by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

The same power that granted to believers all things pertaining to life and godliness also grants to believers His promises. When I think of promises in a worldly setting, they are often hollow. We say something we would like to happen and call it a promise. But most times, we cannot guarantee it. There are so many factors out of our control. For the believer, any promise made would need to be qualified with 'if the Lord wills'. But God is 100% different. When He promises something, it is a fact. His Word is His surety! 

His precious and very great promises are all recorded for us in His word. Since our situation is so different from the original believers who received this letter, I know that the implications of the promises would be much different. They had no written word per se only the letters from the apostles. However, in the zeal department, they excelled so much more than believers today. God had given them exactly what they needed to spread the gospel. For believer today, these 2 promises should have manifold implications. We only need to open the pages of our Bibles [ Most believers in America have several Bibles in their homes]. But with all this, how do believers live? Where is our zeal? Are we living in the reality of these promises?

This promise in particular states we can become partakers of His divine nature. Never can we be as God is, but we can possess His divine nature. This is our transformation into the image of Christ! The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, adopted into His family. We are heirs, even joint heirs with Christ. He was the first of many brethren, praise God we are part of the many brethren! Because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, His shed blood, and His resurrection, we may become partakers of the divine nature. If God has drawn us to Himself, we can escape the corruption in the world by having our desires transformed, no more desire for sin, for the flesh, for the world and all it offers, instead we desire the things of God, fellowship with other saints, listening to sermons, prayer, sharing Christ with others, and Christ's return, He is our hope! This verse 

provides a check for me. What do I desire with my time, my choices, and my priorities.  Where do I spend my money? God was serious about me to the point that He offered the life of His Son that I might be saved. How serious am I about living for God? 

Father,

Help me to keep my priorities right. I know my desires have been transformed, but there are times my flesh takes over in spite of my desires. I confess it Lord. I know You always forgive. Thank You, Lord. Guide me this day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Grant [part 1]

2 Pet. 1:3

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

It is hard to fathom that God would reach down to me at all, but exceeding that, that He would use His divine power to grant to me all things pertaining to life and godliness. Life and Godliness! What an amazing gift! What else is there? Actually there is an opposing force, Satan, who is offering a life as well. But the difference is that his grant is filled with empty promises, a constant striving for more without ever being satisfied, and a final end alienated from God for eternity. Considering this, it seems as if my choice is a no-brainer. But even after God has drawn me to Himself, I still live in this body of flesh, a body that is constantly trying to tear me down, to rip off my garments of grace, and a body in which Satan delights in pulling me away from God . What a struggle! This is exactly why I must cling to the promises of God wholeheartedly. Why would I reject the grant of life and godliness? 

How has the power of God been manifest to me? Initially it was seen in Jesus. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth... And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The Father granted us grace, undeserved and unearned favor with Him. It is through grace that we can practically grow into Him who is the head, into Christ. I was once alienated and hostile in mind, seeking only to please myself. But Jesus reconciled me to God by His death on the cross where He paid the legal debt of my sin. Why would Jesus do this? So that He might present me holy, blameless, and above reproach to the Father.The goal is for me to grow in the grace and knowledge of God, to adhere to His promises and live in His truth. So what is wrong if I constantly struggle in my Christian walk, if I muck around in sin way too much? I would say that I am definitely not utilizing the gift the God has granted me. I am not focusing on God and His plan for my life. I would say that I am an ingrate, foolishly going my own way. For me, it all comes down to choice. Do I choose to obey the Word, or is my sin still appealing. Am I justifying actions because they seem alright by the world's standards. Certainly there is a pull of the flesh [and I do live in the world], but thankfully there is confession. He will forgive an unlimited amount of times. 

When I think of His invitation to His own glory and excellence, I am in awe! The Father sent the Son to die the most humiliating and painful death possible, so that I might be called to His glory and excellence. Wow! I know I have Jesus and the Spirit indwelling me so that I may grow in his love and in His light, so that I might know and experience His glory and excellence as I wait for the day that He calls me home. In the meantime I do have a mission. I must saturate myself in the Word, the written but living Word because there I find the record of all that is meant by His glory and excellence. Not only do I need to know His word, but I must live as it dictates. My life is now on a different course, one that will end when Jesus calls me to Himself. I must remember that I have all that I need to live in a godly manner. I have the playbook. Even a football player would be off the team if he didn't adhere to the plays. So in the spiritual realm, I must know the plays and submit to Him, obeying 100% of the time.  

Father,

Help me to live in a way that I can utilize all that You have given me. I know that Christ and the Spirit indwell me, interceding for me, teaching me, guiding me, and bringing all things that You have said to my mind. Help me to focus my spirit so that it is in sync with Your Spirit. Help me to read and obey what is emblazoned on my heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ

2 Pet. 1:1-2

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

One more thing to note is that in v. 1 it says our God and Savior Jesus Christ. In my footnote, it says that this is one of the clearest declarations that Jesus is God, because both God and Christ are the object of knowledge. Both are all-knowing! What an abundance of blessing! 

Throughout the epistles, there are multiple prayers asking specifically for this knowledge. For example, Eph. 1: 17-that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. This verse does not deny the deity of Christ, but affirm's his true humanity. It also explains how Jesus is the mediator between God and man. And as an added bonus demonstrates the ministry of the Holy Spirit in teaching believers the knowledge found in both God and Christ. And in Col. 1:9-And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 

In v. 2, The idea of knowledge is developed even more. In this knowledge, grace and peace will be multiplied [which only makes sense]. Where else do we experience and understand [as much as our flawed humanity will allow] grace and peace, but through the the Word, the Logos? The Word of God exceeds the confines of the printed page by being alive.  Heb. 4:12 says, it is living and active. It is in the Word that believers, with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace to receive grace and mercy in time of need. My question is. When wouldn't we have a need? Certainly, this is a continual need expressed in prayer and understood in the Word. 

In we Eph. 2:14  we see another fact tying these ideas together. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. This is the peace found in the knowledge of Jesus. Heb. 13:20 says, Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant... Finally, the God of peace bringing to life our Lord Jesus who is our peace, and all this peace is uniquely found and imbibed through the Word of God. Praise be!

Father,

What a wonderful gift in the person of Your Son and in Your Spirit. Help me to see these connections in Your word. Thank You, Jesus for breaking down the wall of hostility so that I might know Your grace and peace. 

In His name,

Amen

Equal Standing

2 Pet. 1:1

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter began the letter using his Hebrew name, but in 1 Pet. he only used Peter. Is there any significance to that? Off the top, I would have to say that his authenticity is to both Gentiles and Jews. But regardless, he is stating his apostleship as he did in 1 Pet. As for the date of the book, many have claimed that he wrote it from Rome not long before his martyrdom which could explain the urgency of his message. 

What is so wonderful is that believers have equal standing with the apostles! Not by any works that we have done, but because we have obtained the righteousness of Jesus Christ. In Christ there is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; But Christ is all and in all. [Col. 3:11] Since memorizing Eph. 4, I have been meditating on a different aspect of this. It says the grace was given to us according to the measure of Christ's gift. He gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers. Then it goes on to mention their purpose, that is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of Christ. So basically, I was thinking that there was a heiracrchy and that the until we all attain part was referring to me and other believers, not necessarily to the apostles. But I see now that the we is referring to all believers, apostles included. I should have made that connection from the Col. verses. But I have now! This only makes sense since Rom. 8 tells us that we have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. What a standing we have in Christ!  [I am thinking the hierarchy is only in purpose.]

Without the righteousness of Christ, I would be lost and undone. I would have no relationship with God, Christ, or the Spirit. I would be bound for an eternity in the lake of fire suffering eternal torment. I would have no sisters in the Lord, no fellowship of the body, and no spiritual leaders.I would be in the fellowship of sinners, walking their way, living in the futility of my mind, speaking and thinking horrible things. Not good! I am so blessed to be covered in the righteousness of Christ.

Father,
Thank You for choosing and drawing me to Yourself. Thank You for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank You for covering me in the righteousness of Christ.
In His name,
Amen

The Alpha and the Omega.

Rev. 22

In the last chapter of Revelation John identifies himself as the one who heard and saw these things. The angel reaffirms to him that only God Himself should be worshiped. Angels are just fellow servants with John, his brothers, and the prophets, and should never be worshiped. 

To complete his vision, John sees the sparkling river of life which flows from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its 12 kinds of fruit yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. The curse is lifted. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the midst of the city, and his servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever.

The angel affirmed that the words of this prophecy were trustworthy and true just as all the words of God are trustworthy and true. In fact this message is found 7 times in the last 2 chapters of the book  

[ 21:5, 22:6, 7, 9,10, and then the warning in 18-19].  How important are the words of God. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The essence is Worship God! The blessing given to the one who keeps the prophesies of this book echoes the one given in 1:3. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John is warned not to seal up this book because it will soon come to pass. During that interim patterns of behavior whether controlled  by unbelief or by faith will be spiritually irreversible. 

Jesus speaks saying, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Almost as if giving words that need to be read and heeded today, John tells of a blessing for those who have washed their robes. They will access to the tree of life. But outside of this holy city are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolators, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. A solemn warning! If any one those people were reading this book or hearing this message today, they would see what it would be like to worship God and be a part of His eternal kingdom, but they must not kid themselves, there is no entrance apart from Jesus Christ. Those outside the gates will suffering eternal torment in the lake of fire."I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." 

The Spirit and the Bride, as well as the one who hears, say, Come. This is an invitation to Jesus to come. Jesus responds saying, Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come,  Lord Jesus. I know this is the cry of every believer's heart. We long for Jesus to come and take us to Himself where we will know Him as He is and be like Him as He is. But this invitation is also to those who are who are thirsty. They may drink the water, the living water, without price. What a wonderful gift! One drink changes the life. 

Finally, one more solemn warning about the words of this book is given. If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. Jesus Himself then speaks saying, "Surely I am coming soon." It is so exciting to read these words! He is coming soon! The timing of the book speaks to the concept that a day with the Lord is as a thousand years. It has be a very, long time since John recorded this book and since Jesus said He was coming soon, but I am still waiting expectantly! It will be a soon in God's timing! I must be ready at any moment. The book concludes with a benediction, the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.  

As I have now finished my reading plan [ read the Bible through in a year], I can say a hearty Amen! What  a great place to end! It fills me with hope and urgency. It transforms my praying and my sharing. It warns me to be ready to meet Jesus! 

Jesus,

I am so thrilled as I read these words. I know that people down through the ages called out these words in the midst of persecution, and I call them out as well. Father, thank You for this triumphant plan. Spirit, thank You for indwelling me, guiding and teaching me. It will be in His perfect time when the last soul is gathered in. 

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

The City of God

Rev. 21

John's vision now becomes very positive except for one very strong warning, that is as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."  No chance at all for them to enter!

He begins with the new heaven and earth since the old ones have passed away. How his eyes must have feasted on the holy city, the new Jerusalem!  Jerusalem descended from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. A loud voice from the throne announced, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." How exciting! God will dwell with man. No more flesh to drag man down into sin. All the negatives of life will be replaced with positives. Then He turned specifically to John and said, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the springs of the water of life without payment, The one who conquers will have his heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. I am a conqueror because of Jesus has saved and sanctified me and has promised never to be separated from me. [Rom. 8] 

Then another angel came wanting to show John the bride, the wife of the Lamb [ which is of special interest to me]. He carried John in the Spirit away to a mountain top to see the holy city, Jerusalem. Its radiance was like most rare jewel [jasper] because here the glory of God would dwell with man. Surrounding it was a high wall with 12 gates, and at the gates were 12 angels. On these gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Also the city had 12 foundations on which were written the names of the 12 apostles. What no bride, or is the bride the city? Then John was given the measurements of Jerusalem. Measurements are not really my thing, but I know God made it perfectly. However, the building materials are cool: Jasper and pure gold[were the wall and the city itself], sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst [12 in all used for the foundation], and the 12 gates were each one huge pearl. Wow! The streets were made of a transparent gold. It is amazing to me and at the same time incomprehensible. However,  I am picking up on 12 being a significant number!

John saw no temple in the city because God Himself and the Lamb will be the temple. The city needed no light for the glory of God shines magnificently and the Lamb is its Lamp. So no moon or sun. By the light of God's glory the nations and the kings will walk and bring their glory into it. It's gates will never be shut because there will be no night. No need for safety precautions! Nothing unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone  who does what is false or detestable, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

With this severe warning God is asking people to make a choice. On one hand the city of God in all its glory and the other hand the lake of fire. How bad does a human want to be cowardly, faithless, detestable, a murderer, sexually immoral, a sorcerer, an idolater, or a liar? The choice seems to be a no brainer, but even in this choice God's plan is supreme. Only those drawn to Him and are covered with the blood of the Lamb will actually be with Him in this glorious city. Jerusalem is God. How could it be anything other than glorious?

Father,
You have a glorious future prepared for me. Thank You so much!  I will heed your caution and examine my life always confirming my calling and election.
In the name of the Lamb,
Amen

1000 Years

Rev. 20

John saw an angel come down with a chain and a key to the bottomless pit. He seized the dragon [the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan] and bound him for 1000 years. After throwing Satan into the bottomless pit, the angel sealed it so that he might not deceive the nations any longer. You would think that would be the end of him, but no! He makes another short appearance after the 1000 years to once again deceive the nations. Deception seems to be his trademark.

As the vision progressed, John saw thrones and seated on them were the souls of those who had been beheaded, had not taken the mark of the beast, and had not worshiped the beast during the great tribulation. Their reign with Christ is for 1000 years. This is the first resurrection, and with it comes a blessing, that is the 2nd death will have no power over them. Instead they will be priests of God and of Christ. 

When the 1000 years are ended, Satan will be released to deceive the nations and to gather them for a battle [Gog and Magog]. Strangely enough they will number as if they were the sands of the sea. It is amazing to me how easily they fall for Satan's deception, but then again all things are the servants of God. As the newly gathered army marches in, they surround Jerusalem and the camp of the Saints. But, surprise, fire comes down from heaven and consumes them. Finally, Satan, the great deceiver, is thrown into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet are to be tormented for eternity.[No tears here!] This new real estate will fit them perfectly!

Appearing next is the great white throne [white-purity and wisdom of the Ancient of Days] and Him who was seated on it. His presence alone makes earth and sky disappear [removal of the 1st heaven and earth]. It is here that the dead [both small and great, both unsaved and saved out of the tribulation including those that Death and Hades gave up, and those from the sea] are gathered before before the throne as the books were opened, a book of human deeds and the book of life. All were judged by what they had done. First up, Death and Hades who were thrown into the lake of fire [Fitting place]. This is the 2nd death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. It is done! The battle between good and evil will rage no longer. No longer will saints be plagued by their flesh and no longer will people be deceived! Glorious!

Father,

I thank You for destroying evil once and for all. I thank You for eternal life in the new heaven and earth. I do not know exactly what that will look like, but I trust You that it will be all that I will ever want! You are wonderful and worthy of all glory, power, strength, thanksgiving, honor, and glory. for ever and ever! I love You Lord.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Supper and The Last Battle

Rev. 19

In this chapter, John begins his vision by hearing a great voice from heaven shouting,

"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever." 

After this, the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures fell down and worshiped saying,

 Hallelujah! The smoke form her goes up forever and ever.

And from the throne he heard, 

Praise our God all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great. 

Heaven is in total agreement with with her demise.  But how sad it is for those who followed her, those who blindly followed her to a Christ-less eternity! Her hooks will no longer ensnare!

Following this was the marriage supper of the Lamb ushered in by a great voice sounding like the roar of many waters and at the same time the crash of mighty peals of thunder crying out, 

, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;

it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Now I understand why our righteous deeds [those done through Jesus and in His grace] are so important. They are the fine linen that becomes our clothing during this feast. I am reminded of the parable where people were too busy to come, so the servant had to go to the highways and byways to find people. I am one of those roadside people! Jesus has saved me and imputed His righteousness to me so that I am covered in it and properly dressed for this great supper. And the angel said to John,  

"Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."

Mistakenly John fell down to worship this angel, but was promptly told that all worship must be directed toward God. Amen!

From here we go to a great battle scene. On one side is the white horse whose rider is called  Faithful and True, whose eyes flame fire. On His head are many diadems [royalty and supremacy] on which He has a name that no one knows. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood [His crucifixion]by which He is called the Word of God, the Logos. In unblemished righteousness, He judges and makes war. But He is not alone, the armies of heaven dressed in white, pure linen and on white horses. His mouth issues forth a sharp sword with which He will strike down the nations and rule them with a rod of iron [no grace]. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. And on His robe and thigh is emblazoned, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Total supremacy! The enemy stands no chance whatsoever!  

In preparation for the battle, and angel alerts the birds so that they are ready to devour the flesh of the slain bodies. John's  vision then focuses on the beast and the false prophet. Completely defeated, they were thrown into the lake of fire alive! But the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of the rider of the white horse[ Heb. 4:1-13]. And the birds gorged on the flesh of those who were the enemies of God. 

Father,

As I read this chapter I am so very thankful that I was invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb and that I am appropriately clothed in His righteousness. I see how powerful Your word is. From it can come saving life or destroying death. Thank You for Your word.

In the name of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords,

Amen