Tag: LGG

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.

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

Grounded in the Word

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 1: 19-21 and SOAP: verses 20-21

Moreover, we possess the prophetic word as an altogether reliable thing. You do well if you pay attention to this as you would to a light shining in a murky place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, 21 for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

2 Peter 1:20-21 NET

Peter continues the thoughts shared in the previous verses concerning his eyewitness account of Jesus’ transformation from His earthly appearance as a man into His eternal, glorious appearance as the Son of God! Now, Peter backs that up with a reminder of the tangible and reliable prophetic words of Scripture.

Like Peter, the prophets did not concoct the words or make up stories; they simply and faithfully spoke or wrote as the Spirit of God led them. – Thus, the Word is living and active, able to penetrate – even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and to judge the attitude of the heart. Likewise, it is trustworthy and true – a pure and powerful Holy light that we must pay attention to – even as a moth is drawn to the flame. – May we persistently run to the Truth, the Word of God, born by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For by this Word, we are: 

given life Pro 4:20-22 … able to see where we are walking (Ps. 19:105) … comforted (2 Cor 1:3-4)

strengthened (Ps. 119:28) ,,, convicted (Heb. 4:12) … protected (Ps:119:11) … set free (Jn. 8:32)

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Ground yourself in the Word. Paul wrote to Timothy that we are to be students of the Word. The idea is that we need to know God’s Word, so we understand what He expects from us and what offends Him. When we know His Word, we will live in a way that receives His approval, and we will be able to correctly explain His Word of Truth to others so that they might hear the Gospel and be saved.. 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NLT
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

How are you allowing the Holy Spirit to unveil the treasures of God’s Word in your heart?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Holy Spirit, the Father sent you as my Advocate, my helper— to teach me everything and remind me of everything Jesus taught or told His disciples when He walked on this earth as a man. Please help me open the Word faithfully and understand it so that I walk/live in a manner pleasing to the Father and correctly explain the Word of Truth to others. Help me to faithfully hide the Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You. Unveil the treasures of God’s Word in my heart and let them shine from me as light and flow from my tongue as encouragement and blessings to all around me. In Jesus’ sweet and mighty name, I pray – amen!

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight be sure and read today’s blog post by the Love God Greatly team

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

A Powerful Testimony

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Not Just a Story

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter1:16-18 and SOAP: verse 18

For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: “This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.”  18When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the Love God Greatly journal entry, p 158/Trials over Triumphs

When Peter speaks here of the transfiguration of Jesus, it’s not some second-hand account. He was there. He witnessed the majestic white robes and heard God’s voice (Matthew 17:1-13). It’s a firsthand account from someone who was included in this heavenly encounter. When Peter shares his memories of being with Jesus during that miraculous transfiguration, it’s as if he’s inviting us to sit down with him and hear a personal story. In those days, stories were heartbeats passed from one believer to another, and Peter’s close relationship with Jesus placed him in a unique position of trust. As he talks about the transfiguration, it’s not just for historical record. It’s an intimate reminder of Jesus’ divine nature, shared with the warmth of a dear friend recalling a cherished memory. Peter’s eyewitness testimony, which has been written down and recorded for the generations of Christians who followed him, is a heartfelt embrace, reassuring us of the deep truths we hold dear in our faith.

Why would Peter include this event in his letter? Because the transfiguration wasn’t just a miraculous display of Jesus’ glory, it was a testament to core doctrines of our Christian faith. First, it affirms that Jesus is the Son of God. If any Christian teacher denies the deity of Jesus, then that teacher is a false teacher.


Furthermore, this event gives weight to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. The cross wasn’t just a historical event. It was the manifestation of love in its purest form, Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins.


The transfiguration also showcased a glimpse of God’s magnificent kingdom. It was a foretaste of what awaits us – a beautiful and real kingdom built on love, grace, and eternal glory.


Lastly, intertwined in this heavenly event lies the lesson of suffering and glory. Just as Jesus went through immense suffering only to be glorified later, we will also face trials in our lives. But remember not to fear. On the other side of those trials awaits unimaginable glory.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

What have you seen Jesus do for you or watched Him do in the lives of others? What should you do with the story? Whether it’s something you experienced or something you witnessed, it is your testimony, and it is meant to be shared. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

Thoughts to consider: What might happen if you share it? What if you don’t share it? Why haven’t you shared it? How might you share it? – Pray for God to help you answer these questions and to direct you in ways and opportunities to share the story.

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

As you reflect on Peter’s intimate account of the transfiguration, how does his firsthand experience deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus and the reality of heaven?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY


Dear Lord Jesus, as we reflect on the transfiguration, may Peter’s testimony not only affirm our faith but also draw us closer to You, revealing the depth of Your love and Your awesome majesty. Strengthen our resolve to walk faithfully with You every day. Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

More insight on 2 Peter 1:18

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

The Value of Ancient Words

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-15 and SOAP: verse 12

Therefore, I intend to remind you constantly of these things even though you know them and are well established in the truth that you now have.

2 Peter 1:12 NET

Since I often feel like a broken record—sharing the same message over and over again—I find this verse quite encouraging. We are never so well versed in the Scriptures/Truth of God that we should cease to be reminded of them, nor should we stop reminding others of them. God’s Word is vital to our walk of faith—not just for salvation but for day-to-day living. God made this clear from the Old Testament to the New. We are to talk of them when we rise up and when we lie down; we are to teach them to our children, Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19. The author of Hebrews tells us to encourage one another daily … and to stir one another up to love and good deeds (Heb 3:13; 10:24-25); and the writer of Proverbs 4:20-24 placed great value on the Word, saying – “My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight,
guard them within your heart for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body.” Jesus Himself spoke of the value of the Word in the fourth chapter of Mark.1

Don’t be afraid to use God’s Word, both in your own life and in the lives of others – even if, like Peter -and myself – the message is repetitive.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Talk of God’s Word when you rise up and when you lie down ( Deut 6:7)

Tell/teach them to your children (Deut 11:19)

Use them to encourage and to stir others up (Heb 3:13 and 10:25)

Go and make disciples (Mk 16:15)

Feed the sheep (Jn 21:17) – this was Peter’s primary goal – not to criticize but to encourage.

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

What foundational truth has impacted your life the most? How can you pass it on to the next generation?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Your Word, oh God, is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is life to us who are being saved by it. Let us be faithful to read it, to study it, and to repeat it to others – both to the perishing and those who know it well. Help us to encourage one another daily with it and to remember that it is good to use it as the light it is meant to be, whether for ourselves or for those around us. Surely, it is by Your Word that we will experience triumph over our trials. For this, we praise you and say amen – in Jesus’ name.

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight please visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

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

Protective Measures

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 1: 5-11 and SOAP: verse 8

For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately.

2 Peter 1:8 NLT

This verse summarizes the result of the previous verses in this chapter. Remember, we have been given everything we need to live and love like Jesus. We have been called to follow after His own glory and goodness, through which we have received not only the gift of God’s great and precious promises but also of participating in His divine nature. In other words, we are able – this side of Heaven – to begin living out the moral excellence we see in Jesus. On top of this, according to Peter, we have been granted an escape from the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. It should be noted that this does not mean we will no longer be tempted to sin or even fall prey to sin but it means – when we are – we have been given what we need to overcome the sin. Because of this, Peter writes of six particular things we are to add to our faith to protect us from becoming ineffective and unproductive in our pursuit of knowing Jesus more intimately.

God equips us but it is up to us to make the effort to pursue a deeper, fuller, personal relationship with Jesus.

Me – from the inside out 🦋
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Peter presents a two-choice scenario for believers:

  1. Make every effort to grow in your faith (or)
  2. Waste the opportunity of being fully equipped for life and godliness and remain ineffective and unproductive.

If we choose to pursue Christ and grow in our faith and relationship with Him we must heed Peter’s counsel and make every effort to add to our faith these six traits or qualities – (descriptions for each were found in part or in whole at bibleref.com

  • First, since we have been equipped to live like Jesus, we must work to add goodness, or “moral excellence,” to our faith. This means that we will work to do good, by God’s power, in the world now, as Jesus would in our place. This goodness becomes the foundation for the rest of these qualities.
  • We are also to add knowledge. This is a deeper understanding of our God through His Word, prayer, and so forth, which informs our goodness. Merely wanting to do good is not enough; we must know what good is by knowing God.
  • To knowledge, we must add self–control. Without the ability to control ourselves, our knowledge of good and our desire to do it are both worthless. Self-control is the moment-by-moment restraint of our urges. It is the ability to make the right choice when temptation strikes.
  • Perseverance is our next additive, as it is the ability to practice self–control over time. Our sprints of doing good turn into marathons. Our moment-by-moment, hour-by-hour, day-by-day choices eventually turn into lifestyles. Perseverance is the ability to maintain self-control, even when the pressure of temptation continues to attack us.
  • Next is Godliness, which keeps our goodness from being merely human goodness. This is godly goodness. It is moral excellence that reflects the nature of God Himself instead of the temporary, earth-bound “goodness” of men.
  • Brotherly affection (or kindness) should come alongside godliness. The idea is that we become motivated to do good for each other. This is supposed to come from a sense of connectedness. This is the type of connection experienced in the closest of families. And, truly, our brothers and sisters in Christ are our family. Peter calls us to “make every effort” to develop a familial affection for each other. Hard as it may be at times, we should strive to really “like” each other, so that we want to do good for one another.
  • Finally, we are to add unselfish love, which is the pinnacle of all the other qualities: love. God is love, and the goodness of Jesus was motivated both by His love for the Father and His love for us. Peter’s term for “love” here comes from the Greek root word agape, which refers to a selfless, sacrificial concern for the good of others. It makes sense, then, that our ultimate reason to do good is the same self–sacrificing love that Christ showed for us.

To stop here is dangerous. It is important, even crucial, to understand that to lack these virtues is to be blind spiritually, which would be to waste our gift of life and godliness or the potential of moral excellence, i.e., Christlike living (9). So, again, Peter writes: “Make every effort” to demonstrate the reality of their calling (10).

Peter is speaking most clearly to those who seem to avoid commitment to Christlike living, while still claiming their place in God’s family. This is unproductive at best, and dangerous at worst. Instead, Peter tells the reader to be diligent to demonstrate spiritually mature qualities, as confidence-boosters and evidence of their security in Christ.

Bibleref.com/in reference to verse 10
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Are there specific virtues you feel led to cultivate in this season of your life? How can you faithfully nurture them in your everyday life?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, there is so much to learn from Your Word. Thank You for today’s reminder from Peter’s letter that while we are saved by grace alone through faith alone we are also charged with the pursuit of knowing Jesus more intimately if we want our faith to be effective and productive. Help us to not just claim faith in Jesus but to actively look to add to our faith moral excellence that mirrors Christ. Help us to pursue knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brother affection, and unselfish love. – for to lack these things is to be spiritually blind and wasteful of all You have given us for life and godliness. Father, help all who belong to You begin living out the moral excellence You have equipped us for – the glory and goodness we see in the divine nature of Jesus, remembering that through Him, we have escaped the corruption in this world caused by evil desires. When I read these words of Peter, I can’t help but think of Paul’s words to the church at Corinth – “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall – God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” We may not be sinless on this side of Heaven, but we would be wise to take advantage of the promises that You have given us, through our faith in Christ, and sin less. – In the glorious name and power of Jesus my Lord – Amen and Amen!

Music for the Journey

What a blessed assurance we have – even on this side of Heaven – when we know that Jesus is ours!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Explore verses 5-11 of 2 Peter chapter 1

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

No Excuses

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-4 and SOAP: verse 3

I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. 

2 Peter 1:3

How many times and different ways can I say it? This is one of my top ten encouraging verses and it has made such a difference in my walk with God. Why? Because He used it to stop my excuses. You know, the ones like “peace is not my virtue” as an excuse for losing your temper or not wanting to make an effort to live at peace with someone difficult to deal with. Or there’s the excuse of gluttony that sounds something like – “I just have no self-control when it comes to pizza (chocolate or a myriad of other vices). We’ve all got weaknesses when it comes to living a godly life – and for every weakness, there is almost always an excuse just waiting to be offered up. The thing is the excuses don’t hold any credibility in the light of Peter’s teaching and God’s gift. For, If God has called us to ‘it’ then He has equipped us for ‘it’ – whatever ‘it’ may be.

I love the following explanation by bibleref.com. Check it out and ask God to help you use the spiritual tools He has supplied through His divine power, which He gives to all of us who are in Christ.

We are fully equipped. But we have a choice about whether or not we’ll really use those spiritual tools. This requires effort on our part.

How are we equipped? It didn’t happen naturally. We weren’t born with it. We didn’t earn it through hard work or good behavior. For those in Christ, God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Like salvation, all of this was ours when we came to know God (through faith in Christ). As Peter will make clear, knowing God, the source of all life, is the only path to being fully equipped to live as God calls us to do.

And how does He call us? By His own glory and goodness, meaning “moral excellence.” Jesus sets the standard for what is good and glorious, calls for us to follow, and fully equips us to make the journey. 1

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Live a godly life, a life of “moral excellence.” Let this verse be your mantra when tempted or weary of battling sin.

  • We must choose to apply the power, whether it is to do something or abstain from something.
    • i.e., do you struggle with listening to gossip or spreading it? Either way, God’s Word makes it clear that it does not align with His will/pleasure, (Romans 1:29b-32).
    • So we must be intentional about putting off the old (gossip) and putting on the new (encouragement, truth, love, …)—(Proverbs 21:23). Those who guard their tongues keep themselves from calamity. So we must guard our tongues and refrain from the sinful act of gossip. If we surrender our natural desires to the Lord, He will help us to remain righteous. May we all follow the Bible’s teaching on gossip by keeping our mouths shut unless it is necessary and appropriate to speak.2
  • We must rely on God’s divine power, given to us through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.
  • Let the promise be an anchor of hope and strength. God has given us everything we need, including the power we need for a godly life. This power enables us to overcome temptations or deal with any weaknesses we may have.
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Where are you on your journey of spiritual growth? In what area do you need to take ground: surrender, knowing God’s Word, trusting in God’s timing, etc.?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, Spirit, and Son, we are weak without You. We are dependent, as always, on You, and we are encouraged to know that, in Your goodness, You have given us everything we need to live a godly life. Help us when we are weak to remember You are strong and able to keep us from all wrong. You have promised to show us a way of escape when we are tempted and have filled us with Your Spirit, equipping us to live lives of moral excellence! We pray and thank You in Jesus’ name – Amen –

THE MORE WE KNOW

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Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials
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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:12-14 and SOAP: verse 12

Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

1 Peter 5:12 NET

It is obvious from much of this first letter that Peter’s “encouragement” is provoked by the suffering (persecution) he knew believers were facing. Peter understood how weary the struggles and suffering can make us, so he cheered them on so that they would not grow weary in doing good. This is a great example of encouragement or building others up in the faith.

According to Peter, the whole point of his letter was to encourage the people, especially knowing the persecution and suffering they had been facing, to stay committed to their profession of faith—faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ—which, as Peter reminds them, is the “true grace of God.”

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Stand firm in God’s grace, which is His undeserved favor, namely through Jesus Christ – God’s only begotten son.

Build each other up (1 Thes. 5:11). Encourage others whom you know are struggling so that they don’t grow weary and lose heart.

Side note: Don’t miss that Peter didn’t work alone. He partnered with Silvanus to do the work God had called him to do. Whether he wrote the words as Peter dictated or simply delivered them to the people – Silvanus is a picture of partnering with others in the work of the cross. Look for others to include in work God has called you to or simply to walk along side of and encourage.

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Who in your life could be uplifted by hearing your testimony? How can you step out in boldness this week to share your story of God’s grace and encourage a sister in Christ?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank you for the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the message of salvation, the hope of eternity. Help us to be faithful stewards of it so that, like Silvanus, we might be known as faithful sisters or brothers. Help us to faithfully encourage others and testify to Your true and present grace, who is Jesus Christ. Then I pray You will help us to stand fast in it.

THE MORE WE KNOW

But encourage one another daily as long as it is called today, so that none of you may become hardened by sins deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

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

One Day

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-11 and SOAP: 10-11

And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10-11 NET

One day our suffering will end! Peter’s words are full of life, hope, and peace as he points out what will happen “after we have suffered”. Peter tells us that God, who has saved us by grace through faith and promised us eternity with Him – “will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us!” To fully appreciate the life, hope, and peace this promise is meant to bring let’s look beyond the words on the page.

Restore: Gotquestions.org explains that, “The Greek word for “restore” conveys the idea of making something whole again. Sin and suffering have left us broken, and we will not be fully restored this side of eternity. However, at the right time, God will restore all things, including us.1 Revelation 21:4 holds a promise of restoration, where the current world will pass away and God will bring about a new reality. The verse states, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

“Additionally,” gotquestions.org goes on to say, “God promises to confirm, strengthen, and establish us. He fully acknowledges that we are His, that He gifts us with strength, and that He will establish us, that is, He will keep us rooted. Through it all, “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

This isn’t a passage with instructions so much as hope and encouragement from a promise of God. So, how, then, do we apply this knowledge? I believe we take the knowledge to heart and rejoice in the hope that one day, our suffering will end, and God will wipe away our tears. Then, I believe we take hold of the promise and let it bring us hope and courage as we wait for our ‘suffering” to end. And – since Peter has told us that believers everywhere are suffering – I believe we are to share this promise with others so that they, too, can rejoice and look forward to this hope of eternity.

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

In your current season of life, how can you intentionally shift your focus from your pain to God’s promises of restoration and the joy of eternity with Him?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, one day You will wipe away all our tears and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain; but for now we still know times, even days of ongoing troubles – so I echo the prayer of the LGG team today and pray that you will anchor our hearts to the promises that our suffering is only momentary compared to the eternal glory You have set before us. Form us more into Your image during this season of suffering. Restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. In all things, may You be glorified. Amen