2 Peter 2-3 (ESV) by Wordle*

Today’s reading is 2 Peter 2:1-3:18.

“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. to him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18).

We spend so much time thinking about and talking against “falling from grace,” I wonder if we don’t push ourselves in that direction. The more we think about something, the more it occupies our hearts, the more it takes over our lives. I want to let this passage start to govern my thinking and meditating.

“Grow in grace.”

That’s what I want to focus on today. Instead of worrying about falling from grace, I’m going to focus on growing in grace. It stands to reason if I grow in grace, I don’t have to worry about falling from it. Peter says if I do that, I will not be carried away with the error of lawless people or lose my own stability. After all, I’m not even trying to have my own stability. Rather, I’m resting on God’s stability.

Keep the faith today and keep reading

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? Click here to add your input.

PPS. For a series of sermons that came from this very thought, click here.

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*Today’s illustration was generated by the creative tool at Wordle.net. You can find all my wordles here.

Today’s reading is Revelation 21:1-22:21.

How is it that I’ve missed how Revelation and therefore, the Bible, actually ends. I’ve turned to the end of Revelation for years to point out that if we add to or take away from the book, then plagues will be added to us or our share will be taken from the tree of life. But that isn’t actually how the book ends. Now don’t misunderstand; those statements are still there and we need to take their warning. However, that isn’t how the book ends.

Go read it again.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

Wow!

I just don’t think there is much more to say other than thank Jesus for His grace. May His grace be with you as you enter a new year. Seek to know Him this year. Seek to be in Him this year. Seek to have the righteousness that comes by faith in Him this year (Philippians 3:8-9). 

***Question: What do you plan to do in 2010 to help you grow in Christ and His grace?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. Don’t forget, we’ll be right back here on Monday starting in the book of Luke. I’ve learned a lot this year, reading through the New Testament. I plan to learn more as I keep reading. I hope you will join me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!