1 John 1 - 10.8.25
Scripture: I John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Observation
In this world, we are surrounded by sin - there are sinners everywhere. Including right here! We must be careful to not get caught up in noticing the sin in others and forget to examine ourselves. We must be careful to not deceive ourselves into thinking we are better or more worthy than others based on their sin. For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Application
If we are not careful, it is easy to judge others based on their lifestyle and choices. Instead of concerning myself with how others live, my new challenge to myself is to try to view everyone that I encounter as someone that Jesus loves and gave his life for. If Jesus loves them, then so should I.
Romans 3:10 says, there is no one righteous, not even one. But the blood of Jesus purifies us from our sin. And that promise is available to all who believe.
Prayer
God, thank you for reminding me of your great love. Your heart breaks for those that are lost because of your great love for them. You were willing to send your son as a sacrifice for me and for all those that have yet to come into relationship with you. Thank you for your promise of forgiveness. Fill me with eyes to see others as you see them and fill me with your love.
- Debbie Dunn
2 Peter 3 - 10.7.25
SCRIPTURE: 2 PETER 3:8 – 11
“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. 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.
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.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
OBSERVATION
In this chapter, Peter discusses the last days when Jesus will come again. He reminds everyone that the scoffers will try to dissuade everyone that Jesus isn’t coming back but to not forget “this one thing” that the element of time is completely different for the Lord. Imagine a place where time is not calculated by the sunrise or sunset, not by seasons, months of the year or anything else except God’s existence. What a glorious thought! God’s time is not our own and we can rest in His perfect plan.
He’s not being slow in His return but is showing His great love, patience, and desire that all come to repentance. This also comes with a warning the Lord will come when you least expect it so be prepared. How should we be prepared? Verse 11 says it all – live holy and godly lives.
APPLICATION
Besides the scoffers that still exist today, there are those who go around saying His return will be on a certain date or even tomorrow. You can Google “end of world predictions” and find documentation on all the failed dates throughout history. There are still predictions coming up later this year. One recent prediction the world would end and the rapture would take place on September 23 or 24. Well, that’s another false prediction that didn’t happen!
Thankfully we have the Bible that tells us the truth about Jesus’ return. In Matthew 24, Jesus explains it all saying to not believe the false messiahs, false prophets or those who say the Lord has returned. In Matthew 24:35 – 36, Jesus tells us the bottom line about His return:
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Thank God we don’t need to be concerned with all those crazy predictions about the end of the world or when Jesus will return. All we need to do is be prepared by first making sure our life is right with God. Have you confessed you’re a sinner, asked Jesus to forgive you and come into your life? That’s great if you’ve taken that first step. If you haven’t yet asked Jesus into your life, there’s no better time than the present.
Next, are you living a holy and godly life that shows you’ve repented (turned from your old ways) and now spend time in the Word, in prayer, serving God, and reflecting Jesus’ love and life in all that you do? If you haven’t yet taken the next step of repentance and living a life that glorifies God, you can do that today too!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for my sins (and everyone else who receives your gift). The only life I want to live is for you! Help me to always show Jesus in my life to everyone. I’m so thankful that your Word tells us all we need to know about Jesus’ return. Praise God we don’t need to worry about the day or time of His return – we just need to be ready! My heart is full with anticipation of your return. All I can say is “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen
- Mary Oberg
Isaiah 50 - 10.6.25
Scripture
Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
Observation
This chapter compares Israel’s sin to an obedient Servant. The obedient Servant is a foreshadowing of Christ.
Biblehub.com summarizes this chapter very well:
“Isaiah 50 provides a profound message of courage, obedience, and ultimate trust in God's salvation. As exemplified by the Servant, one can endure sufferings and hardships by relying on God's unending help. The chapter warns against self-reliance and disobedience, reminding us that real strength and salvation come from God alone. In our darkest times, let's remember the Servant's resolve, echoing his courage and faithfulness in our own lives. The Servant of the Lord is obedient and steadfast despite suffering. This Servant is a foreshadowing of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled this role.“
Application
Be an obedient servant in the midst of suffering, just like Jesus modeled for us.
It’s easy to be an obedient servant when things are going well in life, but how about in the midst of suffering and trials?
I am reminded of Jesus’ humanity when He knew He was going to suffer on the cross. He asked God to take the cup of suffering away from Him. But then, He said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
As I’ve been reading in 1 Peter, there have already been 4 separate chapters (which I’ve personally journaled on) with the theme of suffering and trials. Suffering and Trials are part of the Christian life. When we encounter suffering, we must continue to remain steadfast in Christ.
1 Peter 2:15, 20-23 NIV-“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
1 Peter 3:13-14, 17-18 NIV-“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
1 Peter 4:9- So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 5:8-11 -8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.10 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.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
You were the perfect model of an obedient servant. I pray that I would always look to Your example whenever I need direction for my life, especially in the midst of trials and suffering. You washed Your enemies’ feet, You healed them, You ate with sinners, You submitted to the Father in the midst of suffering and trial to the point of death, You were well versed in God’s Word and You often withdrew to lonely places to be with the Father (Luke 5:16). You remained faithful, courageous and suffered well. Thank You for setting such a great model of what a servant looks like. May I always follow after Your example Lord. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi