Tag: devotional

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Found In God’s Word

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Today’s devo is borrowed from the Love God Greatly downloaded journal for Psalm 119.1

LoveGodGreatly

All people have a natural desire to be happy. This is built into us by our Maker himself. The desire to be happy is not a problem. The problem is that we tend to search for this happiness in the wrong places. We think, “If only I could be married, then I would be happy.” “If only I could have children, then I would feel fulfilled.” “If only I had money, then I would be content.” “If only I was skinny, or organized, or my own boss or well rested, THEN I would be happy.”

When searching for happiness, where should we look, and what should we pursue? The writer of Psalm 119 tells us that blessing and joy are found in God’s word. Here are 3 reasons.

1.  God is found in the Word

The words found in our Bibles are not just the ramblings of a bunch of men who decided to write down some of their history,  experiences, sayings, or sermons. Our Bible is the very word of God. He chose to speak through people, causing them to write down exactly what he wanted his people to read and know.

The Scripture goes by many names in this Psalm. It is called his law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, and rules. And for the Psalmist the law and precepts were not heavy burdens to bear, they were a delight to him  for in them he sees God.

Your testimonies are my delight;
    they are my counselors.
Ps. 119:24

In all of his word God has chosen to reveal who he is, how he operates, and how we are to live so that we can find the deepest kind of joy.

2.  The right way of living is found in God’s word

We know that living a life pleasing to God brings blessing and joy. But sometimes it is hard to know what the right way is.  How should I handle the various relationships in my life, what should my conduct be as a child of God, how should I handle my finances?

It is often said that God’s word is like a road map that shows us the way to go, the way of happy holiness.

There he will find every turn of the road, marked down, every slough and miry place pointed out, with the way to go through unsoiled; and there too, he will find light for his darkness, comfort for his weariness, and company for his loneliness.
-Spurgeon

3. Salvation is found in God’s Word

Salvation is our biggest need. We all fall short in every way because God’s standard is perfection, and we are not perfect. We don’t know God the way we should, we don’t love God’s word the way we should, and we don’t live godly lives the way we should. We need to be rescued from our sins and help to walk with God.

Jesus, who is himself called The Word of God, has known the Father perfectly, loved the ways of God perfectly,  and lives in perfect submission to the will of God. He has done what we have not. And in his death on the cross, he paid for all our failings. We can only delight in God’s word after we have been rescued by The Word.

Ultimately, the pages of our Bibles are about Christ. He is the answer to all the longings in our souls. He is the one who saves, comforts, guides, prays over us, causes us to grow, corrects us when needed, and is our ultimate source of delight and joy.

LoveGodGreatly-JenThorn

Therefore, our Bible should be our most prized earthly possession. Like the Psalmist, we need to know it, read it, meditate on it (vs. 15), and call it our delight, for that is where we find Jesus. Then joy will grow whether our lives are filled with sunshine, rain, or storms.

jen-sig

Looking To Jesus,

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time, Wisdom

Wonderful Truths

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w1d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 119:17-24/ SOAP 18, 23-24

Be kind to your servant.
Then I will live and keep your instructions.
18 Open my eyes so I can truly see
the marvelous things in your law.
19 I am a resident foreigner in this land.
Do not hide your commands from me.
20 I desperately long to know
your regulations at all times.
21 You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.
22 Spare me shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me,
your servant meditates on your statutes.
24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.

Psalm 119:17-24

I don’t know which I like more, the beauty of the Psalmist’s heart or the way the way he writes. Both capture my attention and arouse an ‘amen and hallelujah!” Not only does he understand that he is a servant of the Most High God, he also realizes that he is totally dependent on God and His goodness – to the point of life and obedience and eyes to see the wonderful truths in His Word. As a foreigner in a land that most likely was much like ours, filled with wicked and perverse people who challenged, if not condemned, his faith, he seemed to fear that somehow God’s Word would be hidden from him. If you’ve ever gone long periods of time without the Word, you understand the fear that grips the heart when you need to ‘hear from God’ and He seems to be silent. Though he was scorned and insulted, the Psalmist knew that he had obeyed the laws of God and was determined to meditate on God’s decrees, declaring he was pleased with God’s laws and knew that they gave him wise advice.

Living the Journey (Application)

Understanding that we do not belong to ourselves because God bought us with a high price (1 Cor 6:19-20) is crucial to having a heart that beats for God. We are utterly dependent on God, and if we do not understand this, we will not be committed to living obediently to His Word or having our eyes open to see the wonderful truths that it holds. We will not care and perhaps not even notice that we are foreigners here on earth and are desperate to keep His commands at the ready; instead, we will live like the arrogant and wander from His commands, letting our sin alienate us from Him. When others speak against us, we will lose a desire to meditate on His decrees and we will find no pleasure in His laws nor see them as wise advice.

We must be careful to remember who we are in Christ and live accordingly – as:

  • servants of God
  • dependent on Him for life and godliness and even the ability to see the truths of His Word
  • a citizen of Heaven and foreigners here on earth who realize a need to know God’s commands so that we do not wander outside of His will or lose heart and desire for Him/His Word when others scorn or plot against us.
Prayer for the Journey

Father, grant us a servant’s heart that lives to please You and longs for Your Word. Guard us against wandering from your commands. Let us not lose heart when others plot against us or slander us, but meditate all the more on Your Word. We are desperate for You and long for You in this dry and thirsty land to open our eyes to Your truths and hold to them as the wise advice that they are. We love You, Lord – and are so thankful for Your Word and the examples You have set before us. – Amen!

Music for the journey

Boy, this is a blast from my past. I used to love to listen to the Satlers – 😀

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

It’s easy to think of ourselves as God’s child and forget that we are also Lord and Master. Why is it important to remember that we are also His servants?

What do you think the Psalmist meant when he said that he delights in God’s rules?

THE MORE WE KNOW

Another prominent theme in Psalm 119 is the profound truth that the Word of God is all-sufficient. Psalm 119 is an expansion of Psalm 19:7–9: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.” There are eight different terms referring to the Word of God throughout the Psalm: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, words, and ordinances. In almost every verse, the Word of God is mentioned.

gotquestions.org
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

A LEGACY OF FAITH

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w1d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 119:12-16 / SOAP 14-15

I praise you, O Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
    all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
    as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
    and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
    and not forget your word.

Psalm 119:12-16 NLT

Wow! I don’t know about you, but this third section of Psalm 119 brought some conviction. The Psalmist is completely committed to the Lord. Past, present, and future, he has dedicated his life to working on his relationship with God. He has spent time not just reading but reciting God’s Word and rejoicing in His laws.1 Then, looking toward the future, he commits to studying God’s commands and reflecting on His ways, as well as delighting in His decrees and not forgetting His Word. These are huge commitments that are shadowed by praise to, and dependence on God: “I praise You, O Lord. Teach me Your decrees.”

The Psalmist is openly appreciative of God, as He gives Him praise and is also dependent on Him to teach Him His decrees. He has a beautiful testimony of being previously active in God’s Word, presently engaged, and continually committed to the Lord. What a legacy of faith! Ah, that mine would be as beautiful and strong.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Building such a legacy isn’t easy. It requires the commitment of time and devotion and a love for God that supersedes everything and everyone else. It requires dependence on God to teach us and to help us remember His Word. It means freeing ourselves from the distractions and demands of this world to delight in God and His ways, to rejoice in His laws (statutes, rules, commands), and to keep them faithfully regardless of the temptations and desires that will vie for our attention and affection. The bottom line is we must want and be committed to a relationship with God and His Word more than anything else.

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Do you want to have a legacy of faith? If so, what are some ways you can make time for God in your busy life?

Prayer for the Journey

Father, how blessed we are to know You – to remember former days with You and to be invited into a lifetime of committing to You and enjoying the hope of eternity with You. We are blessed to have the promise that your Spirit will teach and remind us of Your Word and ways. Help us to hunger and thirst for you above all other things or people. We praise You, Lord, and we take delight in You now and always. -To Your glory and honor – amen!

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

DON’T MISS THIS –>Be sure and read the full Love God Greatly devotional for more insight

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

PURE AND HOLY

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w1d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11/ SOAP 9-11

How can a young person stay pure?
    By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
    don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:1-8 NLT

I love the question-and-answer passages of Scripture like this one. The Psalmist follows up his declaration that those who obey God’s laws and seek Him with all of their hearts will be blessed – or joyful people, as some translations say. He had boldly declared that those who do not compromise with evil and only walk in the path of God, carefully keeping His commandments, so that their actions would consistently reflect the way of the Lord, would not have anything to be ashamed of when they compared their life with God’s commands – and then he ended verse eight with the pledge to not only learn God’s righteous regulation but to live by them, obeying His decrees. His pledge was accompanied by a request that God not give up on him – in other words, the Psalmist knew what he had declared wasn’t going to be easy and that He would need God’s patience, or a learning curve, so to speak.

I love the beauty of the Psalmist’s open candor with God and have learned much from him. I also love the follow-up question and answer portion that follows in the second part of the Psalm, which is our focus today.

Have you ever made a pledge to God that you were going to do something – tithe a certain amount, commit to a certain calling, give up a sinful habit, or live a certain way – only to realize the next morning or perhaps even the next minute – that you have no idea if or how you can follow-through on what you said? I certainly have – and by the words of the Psalmist, I believe this is exactly what he had done. Having just committed to living according to God’s decrees, he now is asking God how in the world he’s going to do it – how is he, or how can any of us “stay pure”? Though it seems to be a rhetorical question of sorts, as he immediately responds – “by living according to God’s Word,” This is equally a challenging and good question for us to consider.

How can we stay true to God, living a holy life? We can search for Him with all of our hearts, learning what is good and right in His sight and living according to those precepts. However, we must also realize that in and of ourselves, we cannot accomplish a pure and holy life. We must, like the Psalmist, call out to God to help us not sin, or ‘stray from His commands.’, which, as the Psalmist points out, requires that we have God’s Word “hidden in our hearts.” Simply put, we are to dwell in God’s Word enough to know it – perhaps not word for word – but enough to remember the teaching and expectations that He has laid out in it and made known to us. In this world full of distractions, wickedness, and opposition to our faith, we must be filled with the Word – we must never lose sight of it – nor turn from it.

It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. 

James 4:17 ESV
Living the Journey (Application)

Follow the Psalmist’s example –

  • Have the desire and set the goal to “stay pure,” (live a holy life).
  • Seek God with ALL of you HEART
    • learn what He likes and doesn’t like, and strive for what He likes
  • hide as much of His Word in Your heart/mind as you can
    • read
    • listen
    • write
    • talk about
    • study
    • meditate
  • Ask God for help
    • I love the way the Psalmist asked: “Do not let me wander from Your commands.
Prayer for the Journey

Father, You have called Your children, through the words of Peter and others in Your Word, to live perfect lives, and You have made known to us how we can do this- even in a less-than-wholesome world. You have blessed us with the freedom to have and use Your Word freely – You have given us Your Spirit, who not only empowers us to live godly lives but also teaches and reminds us of Your Words. We are without excuse and beyond grateful for Your gifts of grace and Your promise that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength. – Hallelujah and Amen!

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Do you have a plan in place for living pure and holy before God?

THE MORE WE KNOW

How can you have God’s Word hidden in your heart?

God’s Word is the agent of His Spirit used to cleanse the hearts of all who believe in Christ and are saved (Ephesians 5:25–27). And it is through keeping God’s Word securely planted in our hearts and living according to what it says that believers continue to walk in holiness (Psalm 37:31; 119:9).

gotquestions.org

 14 Like obedient children, do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in your ignorance, 15 but, like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all of your conduct, 16 for it is written, “You shall be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:14-16

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Uncategorized

Joyful People

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w1d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 119:1-8 / SOAP 1-2

Joyful are people of integrity,
    who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
    and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
    and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
    to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
    reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
    when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
    I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
    Please don’t give up on me!

Psalm 119:1-8 NLT

While works are not part of our salvation (Eph 2:8-10), they should play a part in our faith (Phil 2:12). As we have discovered on many of our journeys, the Christian faith is not meant to be passive. If we want to enjoy the full and satisfying life that Christ came to bring, we must be active in our faith. The Psalmist paints a clear and beautiful picture of what this means.

As we will see throughout the Psalm, the full and satisfying life requires the Word of God. However, it’s not just to be carried in our hands, laid on a table in our homes, or downloaded on our phones but hidden in our hearts and minds and part of our speech and way of life.

Why aren’t all believers joyful? Because there is a key to being filled with the joy of the Lord. The Psalmist writes that joyful people are people of integrity, meaning they are honest and have strong moral principles. Joyful people are those who obediently follow the instructions of the Lord and obey His laws. They are the people who seek after God with all their hearts; they want to know Him and model their lives after Him.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • live an active faith
  • search diligently for God with all of your heart
    • learn His righteous regulations
  • don’t compromise with evil
  • walk only in His paths
  • carefully keep God’s commandments
  • give Him thanks by living as you should
Question FOR THE JOURNEY
  • What is the best way to search for God?
    • How do we do this, specifically with all of our hearts?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, help us – You are good and faithful. Your Word is TRUTH, and Your ways are upright. Help us to be like You. Help us to walk only in Your path and not compromise with evil. Let us live in such a way that we are not ashamed. Help us to thank You by living as we should – Holy and upright – as You have called us to. – In Jesus’ Name – amen!

THE MORE WE KNOW

What should we learn from Psalm 119?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Summer Journey – 2024

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based on the Love God Greatly Study of Psalm 119

Summertime is here!!! That phrase doesn’t bring quite the excitement now as it did when I was a kid, but it still comes with a hint of excitement every year.

Longer daylight, sunshine, and summer rains replace the worry of ice and snow. There are ferns on my porches, the smell of summer grilling is in the air, and maybe even a week or two of vacation from the normal routine of living and work. Somehow, life just seems more laid back and enjoyable in the summer😊

As we embark on whatever summer routine awaits us, I invite you to continue journeying through God’s Word with me. Our summer journey will take us through Psalm 119, and it promises to be an adventure full of encouragement, wisdom, radiant light, and life-changing truths – as we discover the reflection of His character throughout the chapter.

As we prepare to open Psalm 119, “We should ask God to show us what we should believe about his Word and about himself and how we are to apply those precious truths to our own lives so that we walk away more in love with God and his Word, more aware of—and disgusted with—our sins, and more thankful and joyful because of Christ and his sacrifice.”

May be an image of text
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Purpose, Purity, and Peace

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:11-18 and SOAP: verses 14-15

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Peter’s Final Words

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:11-18 NLT

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Be motivated by Peter’s words.

  • strive to be found at peace without spot or blemish
  • don’t just wait for Christ’s return, – actively wait
  • actively work to reflect His love and holiness while you wait – even through the trials of this life
  • don’t forget — Jesus is the key to living a life of godliness
  • Remember and TRUST God’s promise(s), specifically – that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

How will you actively wait for Jesus, growing in grace and preparing your heart for His return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, there are trials all around us, some in our own lives. We see evidence of them in those close to us, and in those we don’t even know within our communities. We see them affecting people around the world through the news or other media – and we call out to You to help Your people wait with hope, an active hope that is faithfully growing and a heart that diligently seeks after You daily. Guard us from forgetting the truths that we have learned through Peter’s letters and help us remember Your call upon our lives to pursue holiness and righteousness – being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us and daily claiming the promise that by Your divine power, You have given us everything we need for living a godly life – even in the midst of trials. Thank You for teaching us the way of TRIUMPH is through You – Father, Son, and Spirit! – Amen

MUSIC FOR THE JOURNEY
THE MORE WE KNOW
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials, Wisdom

Enslaved by What Controls You

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:17-22 and SOAP: verse 19

 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

2 Peter 2:17-22 NLT

Clearly, we must be careful who we choose to hang with and/or follow and what habits we choose to take up.

Peter has been warning the people about false teachers that would arise among the body of Christ. Here, he is still talking about the men mentioned in verses 11-16, whom he had compared to “irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed,” and as those who would “suffer harm as the wages for their harmful ways.” He described them as those who were carousers in broad daylight, saying they were stains and blemishes, indulging their deceitful pleasures. Not only did they “have adultery in their eyes,” he said that “they never stopped sinning and enticed others who were unstable.” They had forsaken the righteous path of God and chosen to follow the unrighteous ways of Balaam.

Peter’s words are a warning that we would be wise to take note of. They are almost haunting yet – full of wisdom for sure. His words are a reminder that it becomes more and more difficult to walk away from sin the longer we are in it – for once we have “trained” ourselves in the unrighteous ways. by making a habit of chasing fleshly pleasures and giving in to the temptations – they become a way of “life” to us, and we wake to find ourselves living the life of a slave. We are captivated and then captured by the desires, and we are trapped (or enslaved) by the fleshly pleasures and the desire for more – until it is all but impossible to escape.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We must be careful with what we watch, see, hear, and get involved in—and who we get involved with—so that we are not enticed by the words of the unrighteous, “false teachers.” We must remember that the promise of earthly pleasures will never outweigh God’s presence and promises of heavenly treasures.

This kind of Christ-centered life requires us to:

stay on the alert –

not succumb to the unrighteous pleasures of this world

stay true to God and not turn back from the holy command, which bibleref.com explains as “the gospel, the command to trust in Christ.” —

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Has there been a time in your life when the temptation of sin promised satisfaction but only left you feeling empty and unfulfilled? What did you learn about God during this season?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

“Dear Lord Jesus, guide us away from the empty promises of this world. Fill our hearts with Your truth, that we may find true freedom in You. Strengthen us to recognize and resist those who would lead us astray.” – Amen

THE MORE WE KNOW

Explore verses 19-21

19. https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/2/2-Peter-2-19.html

20: https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/2/2-Peter-2-20.html

21: https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/2/2-Peter-2-21.html

Be sure and check out today’s LGG blog for even more insight

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Sidetracked from Righteousness

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:11-16 and SOAP: verse15

By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness,

2 Peter 2:15 NLT

INTO THE TEXT: My commentary today is borrowed from the LGG Journal, Trials over Triumph journal/p176 – It is a beautiful explanation of the text and helpful to our journey in triumphing over trials.


Have you ever heard the story of Balaam? Nestled in the pages of Numbers 22-24, we find a telling account of a Gentile prophet named Balaam. He stands as a vivid example of someone who knew the distinction between right and wrong but let temptation sidetrack him from righteousness. Despite understanding that it was wrong to curse the Jews, Balaam’s heart wavered when wealth and honor dangled before him. Just like that, the man who was once clear about the right path allowed himself to be led astray by worldly temptations.


Much like Balaam, many false teachers during Peter’s time, and our time, have allowed their souls to become ensnared by greed and self-centered desires. The allure of material gains and recognition has made them lose sight of the ultimate truth and divine purpose. They, who could have been bright beacons of God’s wisdom, instead chose a shadowy path, leading themselves and others into spiritual darkness.


Thankfully there are other, much more inspiring role models in Scripture for us! When we look at the model of a true servant of God, such as Moses, Daniel, or Esther, what do we see? A heart brimming with humility, eyes that look beyond personal gains, and hands that seek to serve others with love and obedience. Such a servant doesn’t chase after worldly praise or monetary rewards. Her joy and satisfaction come from the very act of serving God where radiating His love to others is enough.

In today’s world, where temptation often comes dressed in the most enticing of guises, may we be women who stand firm in our faith. May our hearts remain anchored in God’s truth, and our spirits be invigorated by a genuine love for Him. Let’s not be swayed by fleeting pleasures or the fickle applause of the world. Instead, let our hearts sing a song of undying devotion and steadfast obedience to our Heavenly Father.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Stand firm in our faith

Don’t be swayed by the pleasures or applause of the world

Cultivate good habits that lead to God and not away from Him

Choose righteousness over unrighteousness

Stay alert

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

In what areas of your life do you feel most tempted to prioritize worldly gains over

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, please strengthen my heart against the enticement of worldly temptations. Help me serve You with unwavering love and obedience, placing Your will above all else. Amen –

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

The Hope of Rescue

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-10 and SOAP: 2 Peter 2:9

—if so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from their trials, and to reserve the unrighteous for punishment at the day of judgment, 

2 Peter 2:9 NET

My commentary today is borrowed from bibleref.com, which I believe offers us a clear explanation of this important warning from Peter. The warning he gave is just as important today as it was in the early church – and should be taken seriously and not forgotten. I believe it should be talked about among believers and passed on to our children so that we are ready and alert to any false teachers among us. This is another reason to study God’s Word for ourselves, faithfully searching the Scriptures day after day and making an effort to hide it in our hearts.

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

Acts 17:11 NLT

In 2 Peter chapter 2, Peter describes and harshly condemns the false teachers who had entered the church. He promises their destruction, which will be brought by God. Peter also shows the impact of their lies on those who might believe them.

Who are these false teachers? They were not strangers who showed up spouting false doctrine in a full frontal attack against the community of Christians. Instead, they came from within the church. They were sneaky. They “secretly” introduced their destructive heresies, or “lies about the truth.”

In verse nine, Peter finally concludes his long “if” statement by arriving at the “then.” This is his conclusion.

The point of this lengthy statement has been this: God’s judgment is coming. The false teachers in the church will be condemned and destroyed. This is not a question of “if” God will repay, only “when.” If God condemned the rebellious angels and the world of Noah’s day and Sodom and Gomorrah, then He won’t hold back in condemning those rebelling against Him now.

But there’s more to the sentence: If God saved Noah and Lot, men He declared to be righteous, He will also save those He declares to be righteous now. God knows how to do both. He knows how to rescue His people, the ones He declares to be godly, from trials. And He knows how to hold those who are ungodly to be punished for their rebellion on the coming day of His judgment.

The message is clear. We may be tempted to look at the world and think that those who oppose God are winning. It may seem that standing with God costs more than it’s worth. We must never forget that God is still paying attention. Destruction will come, and so will salvation. The faithfulness we demonstrate today will be vindicated, one day.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Search the Word daily

  • to familiarize yourself with it
  • to help you know when someone is teaching something other than the truth
  • and to keep you from falling into sin
  • trust that God is in perfect control and knows how to rescue His people
  • trust that He will one day punish the rebellion of the ungodly
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

How does knowing that God rescued Noah and Lot from their societies reassure you in your current circumstances?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank You for the reminder that You will rescue the godly from their trials! We live in an increasingly wicked world. We live among those who distort Your truth and seek to bring down Your people. Yet we have nothing to fear for You are in perfect control! You have not lost sight of the ungodly and You have not forgotten us who seek to follow after You -so we do not need to be discouraged or afraid for You are our God, You are always with us and You have promised to hold us up with Your victorious right hand and to one day punish the rebellion of the ungodly. We trust in You – in Your power and Your Word! Help us not to be lazy or idle in living out our faith in God, but always on the alert. Keep us faithful to study and live out Your Word, aware of Your presence and trusting in Your promises. – Amen in the mighty name of Jesus –

THE MORE WE KNOW

For further help understanding today’s passage, visit Bibleref.com/2 Peter chapter 2, where you will find a complete summary of the chapter and commentary on each verse.