2 Peter 1:12-21 Warnings and Promises

2 Peter 1:12-21 NIV
So long as we live in the tents of our bodies we will always remind you of The Way in which we are to follow. It is our desire that all should be saved and will continue to remind and warn others who have chosen to follow after false gods; after desires of their hearts that will lead to their destruction.

These warnings and promises do not come from us; but have been carried through the generations by the Holy Spirit. Hear Him and listen; follow in His Way for the sake of your salvation.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Hebrews 11 - Faith Is Confidence In What We Do Not See

Hebrews 11 NIV
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (vs 1-2)
 
Read all of Hebrews 11! And, remember the courageous the acts of these ancients who lived by faith in the promises of God. Much was accomplished by them as they followed the will of God rather than what the world would expect of them. They were not striving after things that they could see. They were reaching out to serve a God whom they could not see. In Moses' case, as well as others, they were reaching for a promised land. They sought the kingdom which God had promised. By faith they set forth into a barren wilderness so that they might, at the end of their journey, receive the promise of God.

"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (vs 39-40)

We, too, search for the promised Kingdom. We know it is there because we have God's promise. We have not seen it with our eyes; but, we have seen glimpses of it with the eyes of our hearts by faith. We push forward through a sometimes very barren and hostile wilderness so at the last our faith will be most fully realized (even more fully than our faith can fathom) in the Kingdom that has been promised us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Psalm 132 - Sing Songs of Joy

We make promises to others from time to time.

David swore an oath to the LORD. He swore to "find a place for the LORD, a swelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." (Psalm 132:4-5) The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke. (132:11 ) He has chosen David and David's descendants. He has chosen Zion. He has promised to bless her faithful people. (vs 16)

 

Notice that the LORD will cause Zion's faithful people to ever sing for joy. It is those who trust the LORD who have reason to sing songs of joy. We sing songs of joy because we know that the LORD is with us and for us. We sing songs of joy because we know the LORD.

 

No matter what you may encounter or where your journey takes you, may you always sing songs of joy unto the LORD in thanksgiving for His presence with you.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Joshua 21 - Good Promises Fulfilled

Wow!  I never realized how many towns there actually were in the land promised by God.  After all these years, all these generations, the Israelites have finally taken possession of the promised land.  "Not one of the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."  (Joshua 21:45 NRSV)

I return to Paul's letter to the Romans where he reminds them that God's good purpose for His children will prevail.  "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."  (Rom 8:28) 

There are times when we might wonder if anything good will ever come to us - times when we wonder if we will ever see the light of day.  As we journey through the wilderness, things can get pretty tough.  But, for those who believe in Him, we have been promised eternal life in His Kingdom, in His presence, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  There is no promise that this world can offer that is better than that.  God's promises do not fail.  It has come to pass in the gift of salvation given through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

The Israelites have traveled through the wilderness for many years.  Their journey was tough; but, God was with them.  Rest assured, that no matter what obstacles stand in our path, that we too will see the promised land.  With our own eyes, we will see it.
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.  Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known."  (1 Cor:13:12)