God’s Beautiful Earth!

# 9 2021 Dev. 2 Pe.3. Time’s End! Read chapter 3 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

2 Peter 3:8 “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

Chapter three is a summary of both Peter 1 and 2: “I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” to remind people of his day and to remind us of the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of God’s Word. There apparently was an expectation of the end of time among the people and leaders in the early church. They are not the only ones, since this pandemic the end feels to be fast approaching, as at other times in the history of the world. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,” unexpected.

Peter titles this chapter “The Day of the Lord”. Today we still have this expectation, it has become part of our Christmas celebrations, we celebrate Jesus’ first coming and expect His second coming, as is promised. The day of the Lord is the day of Judgment when all opportunity to believe in Jesus ends. It is a subject we do not like to think about but Peter encourages us with: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” By God’s grace He wants everyone to have the opportunity to believe. That also is a call to action for the church and gives the followers of Jesus a mandate.

“What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” Peter makes the destruction of this earth clear; “That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.”  But that is not the end; “in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” Transitions bring on a little fear and trepidation. 1 Cor. 3:10-15 is helpful in understanding the transition from the old to the new. As citizens of heaven we know that we do not get there by merit, but by believing in the promise of God, Jesus.

 “¹⁰ By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day (The Day of the Lord) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. ¹⁴ If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” God is Good!

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God’s Good Earth.

# 8 2021 Dev. Psalm 106:3. God’s Grace! Read all of Psalm 106. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 106:3 “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms. This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalms 105 and 106 are the center of this 10 Psalm series. 

Ps. 105 is about God’s faithfulness and Ps. 106 is about the people’s unfaithfulness and God’s Geace.  The song/prayer begins with positive praise and a request for aid, for prosperity, for joy “and join your inheritance in giving praise” vs.1-5. This is a prelude to a long confession of unfaithfulness to God’s grace. This also applies to us, confession of sin and praise for God’s grace go together.

Vs. 6-39 is a multifaceted confession of sins and unfaithfulness.

Vs.6-12 “when our ancestors were in Egypt they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea…” After God saved them and dried up the sea. “Then they believed his promises…” How often have we forgotten all the things God does for us? I speak for myself: my faith has been weak in more than one situation but by God’s grace, I believed His promises and confessed my doubt.

Vs.13-23 shows how quickly the praise and belief vanished, they “did not wait for His (God’s) plan to unfold.” They rebelled again and again, even while God punished them again and again, to no avail. “So he said he would destroy them—had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.” We sin again and again and God continues to forgive because Jesus stands in the gap for us, Amen!

Vs. 24-27 “Then they despised the pleasant land;” Are we satisfied with God’s gifts in our lives? Are we satisfied enough to give back to God’s works of outreach and mercy; to have hands on involvement?

Vs.28-33 “They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor…” There was idolatry and immorality. I am sad to say that there still is idolatry in this world and among us; self, possessions, power, sex and food. All this is among us, often we are unaware what really is important to us. This reality affects the people around us and hampers the work of God through the church.

Vs. 34-39 “but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.” This Ps. reminds me of 2 Pe. 2 “They will secretly introduce destructive heresies,” ³ In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” This is happening in our educational institutions and being accepted by many followers of Jesus. What we are facing today is a Neo Gnosticism. Mark my words, the world is too much with us in the church.

Vs. 40-48 “Therefore the Lord was angry with his people.” God punished but He heard their cry of distress, God remembered His people. Along with the Psalmist we say: Lord forgive us, “Save us, Lord God,” and “Let all the people say, ‘Amen’!”

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# 7 2021 Dev. 2 Pe.2. Truth! Read chapter 2. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

2 Peter 2:2. “Many will follow their depraved conduct (false teachers) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.”

Peter ends chapter one with the reliability of the prophetic word in the Old Testament. He begins chapter 2 with “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” Peter is addressing the emergence Gnosticism at this time. It is a difficult chapter to read and difficult to apply.

The first 3 verses show the reader how false teachers operate: They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” they are greedy and “will exploit you with fabricated stories.”  Peter condemns them in no uncertain terms, “their destruction has not been sleeping.”

Vs. 4-10 is a prelude of punishments for failures to the truth but protection for the righteous in the world, beginning with creation; fallen angels including Satan; Noah and the flood. Sodom and Gomorrah is “an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly” but he rescued Lot and family. Peter adds, if God saved those righteous people he will also save you. Peter does not mention any particular sin but he  does say: “This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh^[c] and despise authority.” (see note c)

In vs.13-16 Peter is more specific, “carousing in daylight, adultery, seduce the unstable, experts in greed.” Here he also gives Balaam, God’s prophet as an example, “who loved the wages of wickedness.” He wanted to be paid so he gave the advice, mingled with the Israelites, and in the end we know what happened to him (Joshua 13:22).

In vs.17-22 Peter is even more specific: “they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” New converts: I personally have experienced that travesty more than once and it is devastating. Peter here gives us a quote we need to do some serious thinking about: “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” Once persons taste salvation and latter rejects God’s grace, “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness…” That action grieves the Holy Spirit and is not forgiven. This is a dark chapter but is absolutely applicable today!

I believe there are false teachings in the church of today, I won’t name them nor own them. Think again about this chapter, what do you want to name and own out of what your church believes? May God fill us with the Holy Spirit.

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# 6 2021 Dev. Psalm 105:7. Faithfulness! Read all of Psalm 105. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 105:7 “He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms. This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalms 105 and 106 are the center of this 10 Psalm series.  

While Ps.104 is all about God’s glory, Ps.105 is about God’s faithfulness. The first 7 verses are the introduction and a call to worship. The first four verses contain ten imperatives. The rest of the Psalm is the main hymn framed by four verses vs. 8-11 containing God’s promises. Also vs. 42-45 containing the fulfillment of God’s promises. God’s promises are still with the followers of Jesus today and God is faithful, He will fulfill His promises to us.

Vs.12-15 God’s care, “when they were few in number… do my prophets no harm.” God chose Abraham to be the father of all believers. “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.” Gen 18:18. God chooses us as well but we are strangers on this earth, wanderers, this is not our final home. God’s faithfulness is with us every day.

Vs.16-22 contains the story of Joseph taken to Egypt. Joseph was faithful to his God and God rewarded him by giving him a Christ like role in saving his family and many other people. God is faithful to us as well, even if we experience opposition like Joseph, but the blessings of God to us are sure.

Vs.23-38 includes all of four hundred and thirty years in Egypt. When slavery, persecution and the killing of male children ensued God heard their cry and brought them out using the power of nature to set them free. God is in control of the world, Jesus desires to save the whole world and the Holy Spirit holds all things together until God calls us home and till time and space shall end.

Vs. 39-41 God’s care in the wilderness: guiding them night and day, providing food and water. The psalmist leaves out all the complaining and rebellion, but wants to keep it positive, he is proclaiming God’s faithfulness through all the problems. Is it not that way for us? We are in the wilderness but God is guiding and providing for us. We know the way by the way of Jesus and through all the problems of sin, lack of faith, persecution, and rejection, God is faithful. Amen?

Vs. 42-45 God fulfills His promises: “For he remembers his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.” Theologically speaking we are all children of Abraham, “You will have decedents as many as the sand of the sea” that promise includes us. The promised land is our heavenly home. We will all cross the river. God is faithful and He will take us home. Along with the Psalmist we say: Praise the Lord!

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The living Word and the written Word of God!

# 5 2021 Dev. 2 Pe.1:12. The Living Word! Read verses 12-21. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

2 Peter 1:12 “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.”

Peter, as he so often does, points back to what he writes before, “confirm your calling, add to faith and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom…” Peter wants to continually remind his parishioners and us today to keep us “firmly establish in the truth you (we) now have.” Life is short and we do not get a rerun, Peter knows that he is about to inherit the kingdom. Tradition has it he was killed, crucified upside down in the persecution brought on by the Roman Emperor Nero after writing this second book some time during AD 63-68.

Peter makes every effort so that the followers of Jesus be reminded of the things he is teaching and has taught them. Today we are blessed to have not only this letter but many diverse letters completing the whole Word of God. Peter tells of his experience with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he heard God’s voice. He also points to the prophets as “completely reliable” and as a light in a dark place. All of scripture is reliable “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The Bible is a living book, one may read the same passages at different times of life and find content you missed the first time because the Holy Spirit guides you to what you need at the time.

As Pastors and church leaders we all need to take on the intensity of Peter’s calling as an Apostol of Jesus. Not only Pastors and leaders but all followers of Jesus, that is why we read Scripture, that is why we attend church, not to get saved, no, we are already saved but we do all the things Peter writes about out of thankfulness to God. But there is more, we want to honor God’s calling and election. God puts us in churches to teach us, to encourage us, so that we may teach and encourage others, Amen! Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 “The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” God gives the followers of Jesus, “the ministry of reconciliation.” One more way to put it is that “God makes His appeal through us.”  All of life is worship, use words as necessary. We Thank God!

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God’s Good Earth!

# 2 2021 Dev. Psalm 104:24. The Glory of God! Read all of Psalm 104. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 104:24 “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms. This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 104 is a hymn to God our creator and could be a prayer as well. This Psalm begins with an introduction v.1 “Praise the Lord, O my soul…” and ends with an epilogue vs. 33-35. “I will sing to the Lord all my life;..”

While Ps. 103 is all about God’s compassion, Ps 104 is all about God’s glory.The Psalmist describes that glory in terms of His creation, in terms of His creative power and in terms of His complete power in His world, vs 2-4. We sometimes forget, many people don’t know and many don’t care but this world was created by God, vs. 5-9 and is maintained by God for the benefit of His people and His animals, vs.10-23. When we look up, put aside the brokenness in our lives, and open our hearts to God, we say: ““How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Vs. 24-26.

God created this world for us, His people, to care for us, for us to develop, for us to be able to enjoy our lives on God’s good earth. God’s first mandate to mankind Is: “to work it and take care of it” Gen 2:15-17 God set a boundary for mankind to test our obedience, sadly we failed and brought brokenness into our lives. But God is faithful he does not leave us in our folly, His Spirit is still in this world to hold things together, vs.27-30. We are created to worship God for the short time we are on this earth, to care for it and to work toward the good of others and for ourselves.  We are on this earth to worship God, the Creator, not creation itself, vs. 31-32. At the present time we are being pulled in that direction.

The Psalmist ends his hymn with a prayer, he only wants what is positive, he will sing, praise, meditate and rejoice but rejects the negativity of sin. It is my prayer that as you think about this wonderful but troubled world, you look up, think about God, Father Son and Holy Spirit, who created this world, who created you, saves you in Jesus, and will take you to the place where you belong, your true home in heaven, God bless!

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# 2 2021 Dev. Psalm 103:8. Compassion! Read all of Psalm 103. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 103:8 “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 103 is a hymn by David about God’s love and compassion toward His people. This is a Psalm familiar to many of us as the closing to a communion service. The Ps. is divided into three sections, v. 6 and v.19 transition to the next section.

Vs. 1-5 praises the Lord for “all his benefits… forgives all your sins… heals all your diseases… redeems your life… love and compassion… good things… youth is renewed.” This is a message for all time but particularly needed at this time. This is a message meant for all people everywhere but applies for those who praise the Lord. Praising God seems less and less today as people forget the source of our freedom, our health, and our well being. Pray for a revival!

V. 6 is the transition to section two: “the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Vs.7-18 describes God’s righteousness, justice and God’s love. These verses are a great source of comfort at that time and in our time today. We all have fallen short of the will and precepts of God but when we seek His face, God is “compassionate, abounding in love, he will not always accuse.” Vs. 11-12 shows us God’s great compassion: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” This is a great source of comfort for us and the example as well.

Vs.13-18 moves us into a more personal concept of God’s love; “as a father has compassion on his children”. But there is a condition, “compassion on those who fear him.” The Lord is our creator, He knows our failures, our weakness and the shortness of our lives. Vs.17-18 is an issue that should concern us and comfort us at the same time: “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” 

The transition, v. 19, is the call to praise God: “The Lord has established his throne in heaven and his Kingdom rules over all.”  Praise the Lord in heaven, praise him “you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord all his works.” And last but not least: “Praise the Lord, my soul.” This is what it comes down to: are you praising God for all of his gifts to us, even at this time? In this New Year, me and my house will praise the Lord!

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# 1 2021 Dev. 1Peter 5:7. Comfort! Read all of Ch. 5. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

1Pe. 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

In Ch. 5 Peter encourages church leaders and church members. Peter is speaking out of experience, as a witness to the suffering of Christ and he suffered as well. Apparently the followers of Jesus were going through a time of suffering and it is clear that Satan was working hard to bring down God’s Kingdom exemplified by the church. Today we see his activity all around us.

Peter encourages leaders to watch over God’s people; not out of obligation but a labor of love. Be honest, be a good example, not lording over your charges, you are shepherds along side the “Chief Shepherd”, Jesus Christ, who rewards the faithful.

Peter also encourages the followers of Jesus; be respectful to the elders, be submissive and everyone be humble “toward one another…” that God “may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This is also encouragement for us today; no matter what may be going on, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are right there besides us and dwell in us, we do not need to be afraid. Today, we should apply Peter’s encouragement toward the church, to our families as well, to singles, to fathers, mothers and children.

But we are warned as well, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Recognize the enemy, “resist him standing firm in the faith” your faith, it is a gift to be cultivated by the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. The universal suffering that Peter was talking about was perpetrated by Nero who burned down much of Rome in AD 64 and made followers of Jesus the scapegoats. After this warning and before his final greeting Peter gave them and gives us this benediction:

 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” This blessing is very much in need today!

Peter ends this letter with greetings from Rome and encouraging you (and us) testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it! Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” Amen and amen, have a blessed New Year.

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# 52 2020 Dev. Psalm 102:17. Love! Read all of Psalm 102. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 102:17 “He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 102 is a prayer as well as a lament seeking God’s favor. It appears to be a personal request for healing, he is “reduced to skin and bone,” he experiences what he feels is God’s rejection, he is alone. Today, this prayer could be prayed in almost any country of the world.

Vs. i-2, the Psalmist’s appeal, “when I call answer me quickly.” Vs. 3-11, he describes his condition, “My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I wither away like grass.”

Vs.12-17 In these verses he pivots to his faith and addresses God directly: “enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations”. You “have compassion, the appointed time has come.” The land is dear to God’s people as the God’s Kingdom is dear to the followers of Jesus. The Lord will rebuild Zion” as God will rebuild our lives. God “will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.” After much darkness we start to see light, God responds because of His compassion and loving kindness, God is always near His people, especially when we feel abandoned, he will not reject those who call upon His name. God is with us during this difficult time. Praise Him!

Vs.18-22, the Psalmist raises the issue of responsibility of teaching the next generation, “that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” They are to know that God ‘looked down’ and heard the ‘groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.’ That is what we celebrate at this time of the year, God’s Love, He sets us free from the chains of sin, and gives His life so that we may have eternal life. Praise the Lord!

Vs. 23-28, The Psalmist goes back to his personal prayer, he requests a long life. He praises God for His eternal reign and for His creation but points out the that human life is tentative and fleeting. Yet, God’s salvation is the bottom line in his prayer: “The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” From darkness to light is the result of God’s love. Today we celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Today all we need to to do is to respond to His Love. Have a blessed Christmas!

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