August 24, 2020 BE DILIGENT
From 2 Peter 3 “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” “Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,” “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation;” “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard, lest being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
What we believe matters; what we set our heart and our mind on matters; and what we see as our purpose matters. Life on this earth is not all there is; fantastic events and happenings lie ahead. The ones that do not know God have no idea of what the future holds; however, God has let His followers know beforehand what is to come. The message that the above scriptures brings is that knowledge of what is to come should have a great impact on us in the here and now. We hear it a lot, BUT Jesus is coming again! The important point from 2 Peter above is that of being ready for His sudden return, or how will He find us at His return. We live in a dark world where unprincipled men, who live in unrighteousness, have great influence. If you doubt that we live in a dark world, just read the news, observe the brokenness, note the addictions, or just talk to someone in law enforcement. The good news for us is that we have been transferred form the kingdom of darkness and have been delivered to the kingdom of light; we can live in the light even in the midst of darkness. Even though God is ruling and reigning and nothing can hinder His plans, we have a part to play and certain responsibilities to be about. In light of the fact that the Day of the Lord will come, and when He comes, fantastic events will take place, we are called to live holy and godly lives while looking for His return. We are to be diligent to be found in peace, to be spotless and blameless when He comes again. Knowing that we will see Him again any day now, should be the greatest motivating factor in our life; surely we want to be glad to see Him coming again, and not feel ashamed when He comes and should not dread or fear His return. Let us spend time growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ-that is our calling.
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.”
1 John 2:28 “And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.”
Revelation 22:12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (We may have done terrible deeds in the past, but God forgives us and enables us to start doing the things that please Him; do not let your past determine your future.)
Blessings,
Buddy
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