So why do Believers fall away…even after experiencing the saving grace and mercy of Jesus? Is the pull of the world too strong, or is their confidence in this new-found faith too frail? Has the self-centered human nature triumphed over the newly gained eternal perspective? And why does Peter tell us they are worse off than before they knew Jesus…could it be that they may spend eternity lamenting their decision?
Tag: simon peter
Proverbs 21: 23 ” He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
You may know someone…it might even be yourself that’s developed this fateful disease know as Foot in Mouth. Some people are so affected, that the only time their foot comes out of their mouth – is to change socks! It takes wisdom and discipline not to just blurt out anything that comes to mind. It takes us thinking before we speak…is this appropriate?…is this kind?…will I regret saying this tomorrow? So much trouble and misery could be avoided if we’d just learn to think before we opened our mouth.
Psalm 74: 17 ” It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both the summer and winter.”
I’ll be the first to admit that Winter is probably my least favorite Season of the year. Which is really funny, since I’ve lived all my life in areas where Winter isn’t just a word but a harsh reality. But as I look at the pristine blanket of snow sparkling in the sub-zero sunshine, I think to myself, Winter isn’t that bad…especially from my toasty warm vantage point here in front of the fire. Yes Lord, You’ve made all the Seasons for us to enjoy…Thank You for each one!
II Peter 1:21 ” For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
The difference between a prophet and a false prophet is where their word come from. If it’s based on selfish wants and desires…that’s a false prophet. But if the person is attentively listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit…inspired and motivated only by His voice…that is true prophecy.
Matthew 17:24 ” After Jesus and His Disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, ‘ Doesn’t your Teacher pay the Temple tax?’ “
If you think about it…being the Son of God, Jesus was exempt from the tax. But not wanting to be a stumbling block to the people of Capernaum, Jesus used it to be a faith-building opportunity for Simon Peter. Using Peter’s gift, his talent, his vocation of fishing, Jesus instructed him to go to the lake, cast out his line, and pull in the first fish he hooked. He then told Peter to open its mouth and inside he’d find a four-drachma coin to pay the tax for both of them. By just being obedient with the skills he already had, Peter’s faith was increased greatly, and he was blessed over and above what he could imagined.
Acts 9:40 ” Peter sent them all out of the room; then got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘ Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.”
Peter first got rid of all the worldly distractions. He then knelt down, putting his mind, body and spirit in right relationship with God. Finally, he poured out his heart to the Lord. He prayed boldly that God would raise this wonderful old saint from the dead…and it happened! He called her name, and she responded.
II Peter 3:10 ” 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 in it will be laid bare.”
No one knows the time or date…it will happen instantly…no one can predict with certainty the ominous day of the Lord. It will come as a complete surprise and with shock as the world as we know it will melt and dissolve – burned up completely by Holy fire. No one knows when it will take place…the fateful day of the Lord.
II Peter 3:8 ” 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.”
The Psalmist summed it up best…” For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” Our measly little brains cannot fathom the Lord’s timetable. His view of passing time so far exceeds anything we can begin to imagine that we are left dumbfounded and befuddled .
II Peter 3:3 ” First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘ Where is this coming He promised?’ “
The second coming of Christ…humans have tried to predict the exact time from the first century to today. And along with all the forecasting, has come the skeptics. Those who jeer, mock, and sneer because it hasn’t taken place yet. But keep this in mind before you doubt that Jesus will back to earth – a promise is a promise…and God doesn’t go back on His Word.
Acts 3:16 ” By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”
The crowd and religious leaders couldn’t dispute the fact that just earlier they had all walked by this beggar at the entrance to the Temple…they had in fact passed by him for years, and were well acquainted with his deformities. So it had come as a complete shock when they saw him running, jumping, and dancing in the Temple court. It was Simon Peter’s healing faith, coupled with the beggar’s faith – all in the name of Jesus – that had healed him.
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