Hello Sweet friends,
Today’s Reading … 2 Timothy 1-4, 2 Peter 1-3, Jude 1, 1, 2 and 3 John
The key message in today’s reading seems to be urgent and consistent: Live out your faith! This goes right along with our current theme: The Church – A New Mission. As we read the Gospels we received, and rejoiced in Christ, God’s greatest gift to us. We have been hearing, daily, instructions on how to be a light for Him in this world. Today, as we close out this theme, it is as though the writers of these epistles are desperately trying to ensure that Christians will be faithful to walk with the Lord even in the midst of corruption and evil.
In 1 Timothy, Paul advocates a straight gospel – in 2 Timothy, a straight life.
In 1 Timothy, Paul in effect says, “Guard the doctrine, which is our message from God” – in 2 Timothy, Paul in effect says, “Guard the testimony, which is our life from God.”
In 1 Timothy, Paul seems to say, “Shoulder arms! Polish the metal! Ammunition ready!” – in 2 Timothy Paul seems to say, “Onward march! Face front, shoulders square, keep in step with our leader, who is Christ!”
1 Peter’s mission to was to console, 2 Peter’s to warn. Peter explains that it is our duty to do right under all circumstances, with no qualification and no hesitation. In 1 Peter, we hear much about suffering. In 2 Peter, we hear much about knowledge.
Jude warns his readers against the dangers of falling away from the faith. They were surrounded by moral corruption and evil influences, the author urges them to “contend for the faith” and in closing he commends them to the One “who is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 24).
1 John calls us to know the God of our salvation. The word “know” appears 30 times in this letter.
2 John calls us to accept the truth and therefore love one another. The words “truth” and “love” each appear 5 times in these 13 verses.
3 John calls us to give all that we can, materially and physically to advance the Kingdom of God.
(Above information taken from What the Bible is All About)
There is no mistaking or misunderstanding our mission. There are no excuses. It is time to act! We have accepted the gift of Christ. He gave His life for us and now we must live our lives for Him.
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
You are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. What is He calling you to do today? Go do it!
“but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity” (2 Peter 3:18).
There is no finish line in our faith. Continue to pursue the Lord with passion and commitment.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life” (Jude 1:20-21).
Jesus will return! Live every day as though it is that miraculous day!
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you then He who is in the world”(1 John 4:4).
What trials are you facing today? God is greater! What sin weighing you down? God is greater! What is frightening you? God is greater! Be confident of your victory in the strength and grace of Jesus Christ!
“Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (2 John 1:8).
We have spent the last 89 days reading the Word of God. What will you do on day 91? Begin to pray and ask the Lord to reveal His direction for you to continue learning and growing in Him. Do not lose all that he has accomplished in you!
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
This is the mission. Walk in the Truth. Share the love of Christ. Be the Light in this dark world. You are equipped, You are empowered. You are ready. Go!
We have A New Mission and you have a new printable to add to the collection and remind us all…
Live out your faith! Bring joy to the heart of God!
Love you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11).
