2 Peter 3

Today I wanted to share a couple of things that stood out to me as I was reading 2 Peter 3 the other day. I could do more of an in depth Bible Study, but I've decided to keep it simple. 

2 Peter 3:1b, " I (Peter) have written both of them (his letters) as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking."  

2 Peter 3:14, "...make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him (God)." 

Ok, so between these two verses, three things stood out to me and I have bolded them. 

Reminder-Peter knows that as Christians, as followers of God Most High, even though we are changed from an old creation to a "new creation".  We are still finite and human, both of which equal not perfect. Although we are no longer bound by this world around us, we still lose sight of who we are and Who's we are.  When our focus strays from our Heavenly Daddy, our hearts will usually follow and with that our minds.  I love that Peter says that he's written these letters as "reminders".  To help remind the recipients of these letters and ultimately to encourage and remind us here in present day that we should live holy lives before our King and Lord. 

Stimulate-Peter also is aware that sometimes it takes work to think about things that are wholesome and to keep focused on those things.  I know that my thinking can be easily swayed by many different things throughout the day.  Things like what shows, sitcoms, or talk shows I may watch throughout the day, or what music and lyrics I'm listening to (these days it's pretty much either lullabies or Folk Children's songs on Pandora) :) , but that's besides the point. The point is, music (Secular or Christian, happy or sad, sappy or seductive, shows, movies, the internet, friends, etc., sways our emotions and our thoughts one way or another. 

Every Effort-I am so thankful Peter states this in his letter.  He doesn't state, "make some effort" or "try and", but states "EVERY EFFORT". Which means that it will take effort and it will take a LOT of effort to live holy lives and be spotless and blameless.  Now, do I believe we can do this in our own strength and will?  No, I believe that it is with and in Christ that we live holy lives.  Through placing our focus on Him, spending time with Him, worshiping Him, talking with Him, listening to Him---those other things that can sway our focus fade away. 

As I have been studying this portion of the Word, I don't find it to be condemning, I find it to be enlightening and encouraging.  It spurs me on to seek the Lord with new and fresh passion and it convicts me in areas that I've allowed worldly stuff and fluff to fill and sway my heart and mind. 

Thank you Lord for those who authored the 66 books in Your Love Letter. Thank you that they were human and finite just like me.  Thank you for Your sweet and loving conviction and for helping me to refocus on You. Your Beauty. Your Truth. Your Kingship. Your Grace. Your Majesty.  You are soooo incredibly good to me, my Lord.