[1 Peter 2, Proverbs 2]

H – 1 Peter 2:2–3, “[2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—[3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good…… [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

E – Under Construction!

How did you come to Jesus? That is a great question to ponder. 

Peter makes it clear, that those who come to Jesus must deny themselves (v.1) and become obedient to His word (v.8). The reason being is because you have tasted His goodness (v.3) and you don’t want to go back to the darkness that He has called you out of (v.9). 

If indeed we have tasted the goodness of His mercy and grace then everything changes. Life transformation happens. 1) We put away us (v.1). In other words we turn from our sin and selfishness (v.11). We repent. 2) We long to grow in and through Him (v.2). We’ve tasted and seen that He is good and we want more of Him, which comes from a relationship through His Word and Spirit. 3) We allow Him to build us into who and what He has purposed us to be (v.5, 9), His church (living stones) on mission to live and proclaim the excellencies of The One who rescues from darkness into His marvelous light (v.9). 

Yet, this life doesn’t come naturally and it doesn’t come quickly. It’s a life that has to be fostered. It’s a life that has to be intentional. It’s a life that has to be surrendered. Growing up (v.2) and Being Built Up (v.5) is a life long process. It never ends. However, notice this; spiritual growth is fueled by appreciation of God’s mercy and grace (v.2-3). It’s what gives us the desire to be built up in the first place. 

Which begs the question, how did you come to Jesus?

A – Simply die to sin and live to righteousness (v.24).

R – Lord God, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for salvation. Thank you for your great mercy and grace. Thank you for healing that came from Calvary. I have tasted and seen that you are good. Lord, grow me and build me up into who you have created and purposed me to be. 

In Jesus Name!

[1 Peter 1, Proverbs 1]

H – 1 Peter 1:14–16, “[14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.””

E – The Calling of Obedience!

When Christ saves He sanctifies (v.2). When Christ sanctifies He leads (v.3, 13). When Christ leads we obey (v.14). 

When Christ is our living hope (v.3), our great salvation does not simply impact the future; it is to also mark the way we live today, even in the midst of trials (v.6). Not only that, but if Christ is our hope then we should have a clear realization of our former ignorance (sin) and should have a continual desire to flee the old me/we/us (v.14). 

Because of salvation, a hope for today and the future, and the presence of His Holy Spirit (v.12) I know that I’m His child (v.14, John 1:12). My response to Papa should be complete obedience. This obedience is to pursue His holiness and simply live in a state of overflow; His presence working in and through my life. It should be Him that leads and guides my life. It should be Him that convicts me of my ignorance. It should be Him that determines my attitude and conduct. 

A – My mind must be prepared for the action of obedience (v.13). I cannot willy nilly in my relationship with King Jesus. It’s all in fully convinced of His grace and clinging to His hope (v.13). 

R – Lord God, I love you. I praise you for salvation. Thank you for hope, both now and for eternity. Lord, I need you. I need help. I need your Spirit to lead and guide me. Lord, forgive me for the moments that I’ve failed, miserable. If it wasn’t for your great mercy and being born again into a living hope I would be nor have nothing. So, I praise you. Lord, sanctify me and lead me into obedience. 

In Jesus Name!

[Titus 1, Proverbs 29]

H – Titus 1:16, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

E – True Confession!

If I’m honest, this verse burdens me because faces and names run through my mind as I read it. People I genuinely care for; family and friends. People that I know have confessed to know God, yet by all appearances deny the power of salvation and are un-surrendered to His Lordship. 

For all the faces and names that run through my head I want to shake them wishing they would see that their confession doesn’t match the life of a person who has truly surrendered to Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord (v.4). 

There is no doubt that Paul is addressing false prophets as he writes to Titus. They have been disruptive to those of the faith and needed to be rebuked (v.13). Many times we look at false prophets as someone who has a voice that is loud and comes before groups of people to lead them astray. However, if we take this passage a step further we see that these false prophets where possibly ‘many’ (v.10) within a small gatherings known as the church. They had all the outward appearances of being Jews, claiming to be part of God’s family, yet where insubordinate (disobedient), empty talkers, and deceivers (v.10). Therefore, their confession was false, equalling a false prophet. Which makes verse 16 stand out even more. 

And this is where things get tougher. How do you address those you love, who you know have had a moment of confession, yet there is no evidence of radical life change? Do you coddle them so they don’t feel worse about themselves or so we don’t upset them? Do you love them without saying anything so you don’t rock the relational boat? Are you brutally honest about what you see in and through them? Or, do you lovingly hold firm the Word of God, give instruction in sound doctrine, and rebuke those you care about (v.9)? 

One thing we do see from Paul is that he was not the least bit hesitant to make such a judgement about what he saw. He saw the works of those in Crete as unbelievers, despite their claim to know God.

A – Affirm my confession, Grow through His grace and mercy, Hold fast the Word of God, Teach and give instruction in sound doctrine, Lovingly rebuke those who contradict it. 

R – Lord God, I thank you for my salvation. Father God, would you help me to see my need for you constantly. Forgive me for the moments that my confession has not matched my lifestyle or attitude. Lord lead me to be above reproach, hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined (v.7-8). God, I lift up those that are a burden on my heart. Lord God, reveal yourself to them in such a real way that they would come to a moment of genuine confession, real repentance, and be sound in faith (v.13). 

In Jesus Name!

[2 Timothy 3, Proverbs 35]

H – 2 Timothy 3:1, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”

E – Difficult Days!

Mark this down, there will be difficulty in life. Aren’t these comforting words from Paul? However, a lot of times we place the difficulty was face on others or uncontrollable circumstances. Yet, according to 2 Timothy 3 there needs to be greater examination to what actually leads to the difficulties we face; us individually. 

Notice what brings the most difficulty in a persons life, self. It is when individuals abandon clear and true teaching, reproof, correction, and stop training for righteous living (3:16); giving into self desires and gratifications. Listen to these words from Paul, 2 Timothy 3:2–5, “[2] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power……”

Wow! I see “church people” in this list. Could it then be that the difficulties that riddle us the most is simply “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (3:5) by pleasing self rather than surrendering by faith to the reality of His great grace and continuing to grow firmly in what we have believed (3:14). 

Brothers and Sisters, mark this down, you and I can not get very far before our foolishness will be revealed (3:9). Sin will find its way out. Therefore, today is the day of new surrender, allowing God to breathe on you anew, through His Word. Do not abandon the power of His conviction, deceiving yourself (3:13). Rather, flee your love for yourself and personal passions (repent) and place your complete faith in Him, becoming obedient to His Word. 

A – There are a few applicable truths from 2 Timothy 3: 1) Flee the love I have for myself, 2) Cling to the knowledge of Truth, 3) Obey through the power of His Word, 4) Be transformed through the renewal of my mind, 5) Live equipped for His Glory. 

R – Lord God, I thank you for salvation. God, I know there will be difficult days. I know that when I focus on myself that the days will be harder and more difficult. But, when I focus on you and being changed by you, you will sustain me though any and every difficulty. God, may my faith in you always be greater than my faith in anything else, including myself. I will simply confess, I NEED YOU. Lord, breathe your Word into my life. Teach me. Rebuke me when I need it. Correct and Discipline me out of your love for me. Continue to train me for righteousness sake. And, may I be equipped through you for the plans and the purposes you have for me. 

In Jesus Name!

[Hebrews 9, Proverbs 8]

H – Hebrews 9:27–28, “[27] And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, [28] so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

E – Appointed!

I know we don’t like to think or talk about it. But, there is something that every person is one day destined for, Death. We cannot avoid death. God has appointed that death should visit every human being, bearing the return of Christ Jesus.

After death it is appointed that all people will face judgement. This judgement is when God acts justly to those that have believed upon His name and bowed the knee in surrender and those that have refused to believe in surrender. 

Our only hope in escaping the punishment of our sinful nature is Jesus. He was offered up to bear the sins of humanity. It was Christ who willingly and sacrificially took the debt of our sin, becoming sin, crucifying our sin on Calvary’s Cross, so that by grace through faith we might become an adopted child of His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Also, notice that the word “appear” is used three times in Hebrews 9:24–28. 1) He has appeared to put away sin by dying on the cross (Heb. 9:26). 2) He is appearing now in heaven for us (Heb. 9:24). 3) One day, He shall appear to take Christians home (Heb. 9:28). What a summary of our Lord’s work. That is our hope. He is our Hope. 

I must include part of Warren Wiersbe’s commentary entry that spoke to me this morning. He wrote, “The Hebrew Christians who received this letter had to realize that there is no middle ground. They had to make a choice between the earthly or the heavenly, the temporary or the eternal, the incomplete or the complete.” – Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 312. In the same manner, Paul David Tripp stated it this way, “There are only two ways to respond to Jesus: 1) Surrender to Him, 2) Walk away from Him.

Those that have by faith believed upon His name and justification, surrendered to His Lordship, and walk in faithful obedience, should eagerly wait to be glorified before Him. 

Eternal salvation is coming for those who wait. Eternal damnation is coming for those who refuse. 

A – Eagerly wait with great anticipation by: Resting in His Lordship, Being Refreshed in and through His Word, Being Submissive to His Spirit, Being Obedient to His calling (9:14), Clinging to His Promises. 

R – Lord God, thank you for redemption. Thank you for reconciliation. Thank you for the opportunity of eternal forgiveness. Thank you for intercession. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for our hope and future. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

In Jesus Name!

[Hebrews 7, Proverbs 4]

H – Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

E – Draw Near, He Is Greater!

To say our greatest need in life is to be desperate for Jesus would be an understatement. We are in desperate need of Him, whether we acknowledge it or not. 

The book of Hebrews points to that reality when the writer claims that Jesus is greater than the angels (Heb 1:3-4), greater than Moses (3:3), greater than Joshua (4:8), a greater priest than Aaron (7:26-27). But not only is Jesus better than any other human religious figure—He also has a better ministry after ushering in a better covenant built on better promises with a better sacrifice, that is, Jesus Himself (7:22).

In Jesus we have a High Priest who takes us into God’s presence (6:19-20). Jesus himself provides holiness and purity (7:27). He persistently prays for us (make intercession (7:25)). His ministry to us is permanent (7:24). His character operating for us is without sin or blemish (7:26). He is and will always be perfect forever (7:28). 

We could not be in better hands than to be in the hands of Jesus. With Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we can live in bold confidence of His amazing grace (4:16).

A – There is no need to draw to people, places, and other powers in our time of need or any other time. Our greatest need is to draw near to Jesus, the great intercessor who saves, daily (constantly). 

R – Lord God, thank you for being such a good good Father. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for my salvation and the hope that I have in the guarantor of a better covenant. No one nor no thing can compare to you, oh Lord. Lord, I need you. I need to be reminded that you are my greatest need. Therefore, help me to realize daily that I need to draw near to you. 

In Jesus Name!

[Hebrews 3, Proverbs 29]

H – Hebrews 3:15, “As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.””

E – Hard Hearts!

How do our hearts grow hard, unfeeling, disobedient, and cold?

Hebrews may be one of my favorite books of the Bible. It certainly holds my favorite verses (Hebrews 12:1-3). Over and over again the wilderness generation is used as an example to encourage Christians to persevere in a time of trial. 

In moments of trial it doesn’t take long for some to get stung by situations, circumstances, attitudes, and wrongdoings; resulting in a hardness of heart. Before you know it our hardened hearts lead to aimless wandering, making the things around us become habit and His Word becoming not that big of a deal.

Notice in Hebrews 3 the references to the heart and what leads to its hardness. When we refuse to listen to Truth (v.8) we loose our confidence (v.6) and begin to give in to  deception (v.13). This leads to one going astray (v.10), abandoning His ways (v.10b), and falling away (rebellion) (v.12). 

Wow!

It gets worse before it gets better. The one who’s heart is hard can not be at rest (v.11).

There is only one cure for the hardness of our hearts; we need to humble ourselves and repent. Repentance does not just mean that we feel badly about something and regret it. It means that we turn in the opposite direction. We “go completely the other way.”

So, what’s the opposite of the references listed above? We dive deep into God’s Word, being filled with the Truth of His Spirit. We have confidence in His promises that leads us to persevere in faithful obedience. It’s simple! The Bible renews our minds and brings our thoughts into conformity with God’s heart (Romans 12:2) and from there we obey what we read and hear from God (John 14:15).

A – Open up my heart. Listen for Him and to Him. Heed His Word, obey His Word, and remain confident in the work of Christ. 

Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

R – Lord God, thank you for giving me a heart after yours. You tore my old heart out and gave me a new one. Lord, I don’t want to allow situations, circumstances, attitudes, or wrongdoings to cause me to place stones around my heart. God, I need help. Help me to cling to the Truth of your Word. Help me to heed conviction and commandments. Help me to have strength to persevere. Help me to simply rest in the comfort of your Spirit. Help me to be like Samuel and simply say, “speak God, your servant is listening.”

In Jesus Name!

[Philippians 4, Proverbs 25]

H – Philippians 4:11, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

E – The Secret of Contentment!

Life is full of struggles; physical, emotional, financial, etc. There are so many ups and downs, lows and highs. It’s easy for every season and circumstance to grab hold of us and take us for a ride. It’s also easy for every season and circumstance to control and dictate our feelings, attitudes, and responses, if we let it. 

Yet, Paul stated that there was a better way than being controlled by our different seasons and circumstance. The better way was and is simply Jesus. He had learned the great truth that in whatever situation he was to be content; where ever God had placed him and with whatever he had. And, it was through these different seasons and circumstances that he came to realize it was simply God who gave him the strength to keep pressing, regardless of what was going on. 

The secret of living amid life’s difficulties is simple: trusting God in such a way that one can say, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

A – Trust God for every provision. Rest in the strength of His presence. Keep learning to be content. 

R – Lord God, thank you for who you are. Thank you for your unchanging character. Lord, you have been so good to me. You have blessed me far more than I deserve. I see your hand at work and I don’t want to be foolish and not see it. Help me to continue to learn the secret of being content, for I know all good and perfect things come from you. You have never left me in want so help me to not panic, but simply trust you. I know I can do and face all things, through you. 

In Jesus Name!

[Ephesians 5]

H – Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”

E – Imitate!

Anytime you see the word “therefore” you need to see what has transpired to lead the reader to this point. For the church at Ephesus, Paul reminds them that they have been forgiven in and through Christ Jesus (4:32). They are now His children and it’s time to act like it. 

Just as it is natural for an earthly child to imitate his earthly father, so should the spiritual child imitate his Heavenly Father. The word imitate comes from the word mimeomai, from which we get our word mimic. It means “to act like.”

Therefore, believers are to imitate God’s holiness in all of their conduct. Believers are to be like him, following and mimicking His example; walking in love (5:2), surrendering themselves (5:2), and obeying Him above all (avoiding sin – (5:3)).

A – There are 5 “Be” statements that caught my attention this morning. 

Be Imitators (5:1), Be Thankful (5:4), Be Light (5:8), Be Wise (5:15), and Be Filled (5:18). 

When I imitate The Lord, as His Child, I simple want to BE in Him and BE who He has called me to be. 

R – Lord God, thank you for saving me and forgiving me. Lord, walking in light of your forgiveness, help me to throw off all sinfulness that you reveal. Lord God, fill me with your Spirit, help me to walk wisely, being light in darkness, and walking in thanksgiving as an imitator of You. God, help me to discern what is pleasing to you (5:10) and follow accordingly. Help me to make the best use of the time you have and will give me (5:15). And, may my life be used for your Glory. 

In Jesus Name!

[Ephesians 1]

H – Ephesians 1:3a, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing……”

E – In Him!

Paul loved the church of Ephesus. Surrounded by a cesspool of wickedness and idolatry these faithful saints didn’t stop in their pursuit of Christ Jesus. They wanted to know Christ the Lord more, follow Him faithfully, and make His grace known to those around them, even in the midst of persecution. 

Paul wrote his letter to Ephesus to encourage them through his prayers and admonish them in the truths of God’s Word. He desired God’s Spirit to give them wisdom and discernment (1:17); having their eyes open, heart enlightened, hope renewed, and the working of His power within them (1:18-19). But first, they needed to realize who they were in Christ and what Christ had/has done for them. 

The blessings of knowing God far surpassing the knowledge of any other thing. When I am in Him I don’t have to question the realness of His presence and drawing. I have experienced His sacrificial love that He chose to show me (1:4). In Him I now understand His forgiveness and the power of His redemption (1:7). In Him I realize I have a greater purpose than pleasing myself, for I now desire to live His will for His glory (1:11-12). And because I’m in Him I don’t have to question the validity of my salvation, for I know I’m in His hands sealed for eternity. 

In Him I am blessed, chosen, redeemed, purposed, and sealed. If I know those things about who I am then the world has no dictation on who it says I am. And, I truly come to the realization greater is He who is in me than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). 

A – Remember Who’s I am. Remember Who I am. It is in Him that I have my being, purpose, and from were all blessing flow. 

R – Lord God, thank you for the gift of salvation. God, your blessings surpass anything I can ever try to earn or achieve. Knowing you is the greatest blessing of my life. Lord, continue to help me remember that I’m yours and that you hold me in your hand. God, open the eyes of my heart that I may see you. Lord, give me the desire to be faithful to and in you above all things. Lord, thank you for saying who I am. I am yours!

In Jesus Name!