2 Peter 3 - 7.12.23
Scripture
2 Peter 3:8-10
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. 9 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. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Observation
This chapter is about the Lord’s return and how we should live while we wait for Him.
We must be good stewards and managers of the life that the Lord has given us, so that when our Master returns, we can hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Please read Luke 12:35-48 regarding being a watchful, faithful and wise manager while we await His return).
Application
We don’t know the time or day of Christ’s return, however, while we eagerly await His return, we must live as though we KNOW He is coming back.
What things are we focused on that only offers gratification and rewards for this life, but not eternal rewards?
Tonight, we kick off our Rooted challenge at 6:30p where we are able to make more room for activities that bear eternal value such as prayer, worship, reading and memorizing His Word, sharing Christ with others, and serving; and get rid of other temporary distractions of this life.
““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Prayer
Dear Lord,
I pray that You would reveal any areas of my heart, mind and life where I am pursuing immediate, instead of eternal gratification/rewards. Help me to use Your Word to guard my heart and mind away from those thoughts and shift my focus on what You desire. Help me to focus on eternity and building up treasure in Heaven, which will never spoil or fade. Help me to never forget that You are coming back for Your Church. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm 103 - 7.11.23
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103:1 “Praise the Lord, my soul, all my inmost being, praise His name.”
OBSERVATION: This psalm was written by David. He experienced God’s great love! He knew the God Who forgives, heals, redeems, and satisfied his desires with good things.
David was intentional about telling his soul not to forget God’s benefits.
UNDERSTANDING: Once we have experienced God’s revelation knowledge, and have tasted and seen His goodness, we have been introduced to certain sides of His faithful and loving character. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. The more we know Him, the more we will want to follow, obey, and serve Him.
PRAYER: Thank You Lord that Your love is from everlasting to everlasting! My soul praises You because You are a faithful God, good and generous in all Your ways. You have forgiven me of my sins, and have given me a new heart to love You, and a desire to serve You. You work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed, and because of Who You are, I will continue to share Your great love.
- Robin Orefice
Psalm 102 - 7.10.23
Scripture
Psalms 102:27 NLT
“But you are always the same; you will live forever.”
Observation
The author of this psalm is overwhelmed with life’s troubles, and is crying out to God for help. Life’s difficult circumstances has took a toll on the psalmist’s physical and emotional health here. But then the psalmist remembers the sovereignty of God. The psalmist remembers that while their life may wither away, and though earth and heaven may fade away, God is eternal, and He will never change. The psalmist then finds hope in knowing that God is by their side and will be there till the very end.
“I the Lord do not change.”-Malachi 3:6a
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”-Hebrews 13:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”-Revelation 1:8
Application
Finding peace knowing my future is in God’s hands.
You ever have one of those dark times in your life where life just seems to be getting the best of you? Can I encourage you to learn from the psalmist in this passage? Cry out to God! Let Him know how you feel. Know that God is listening and He cares deeply about you. Then remind yourself that God is sovereign and He is in complete control. He knows what you are going through, and our future is in His hands. And no matter how rough and bleak it may seem for us at the moment, find hope knowing that our God will outlast it all. He was there in the beginning. He is here with us now; and He will be there until the very end. So even as life and its circumstances around us change, God remains the same…and He is the ruler of it all. So how about putting your faith and trust in Him?
Prayer
Thank You God for being the one constant in my life. When life gets tough, and things start changing, You are always there for me, and are in complete control. Thank You for always guiding me and giving me the strength to get by each situation. And if life should ever bring me down, may I be drawn back to You; so I can remember Your faithfulness and Your love for me. May it always bring me hope and strengthen my faith. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi