Meditate. Does hope strengthen your relationship with God?
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. 2 Peter 1:20-21 - 2 Peter 2:1-3
This God that Peter wrote about is the true God—the only God…translated from the Greek word theos. He is also referred to as Master. God inspired the prophets…instructed them in just what to say…just what to write. But we are to be aware that there are also false prophets that not only deny God, as Master, but they teach immorality. Wouldn’t you say that is what is happening in our world today? Have you ever experienced such subtle and subversive teaching tactics? Movies and television have prepared us for this COVID pandemic with all the “entertainment media” that has portrayed virus epidemics, vaccinations, and political upheaval which will result in worldwide economic reset. Clever lies to get hold of your money. Our brains were already attuned to the disruption of our routines and the chaos that evolved. What is next? If the entertainment media is following some unknown script, we are in for alien invasions, power failures and natural disasters. Well, the Bible does predict the natural disasters—earthquakes and such—along with wars and rumors of wars. Jesus told us to be prepared. We have hope of Heaven.
But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:13-18
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| Don't be deceived. Even small lies like small snakes can be dangerous |
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And
if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1
Peter 3:15
Do you have hope in the future…a hope in Christ?
Prayer ~ Lord God, open our eyes to see Your truths and help us to be prepared to give an account of the hope we have in You…our Lord and Savior…and resurrection. Your resurrection and ours, someday!
Verse of Salvation ~ We can
rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help
us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and
character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope
will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because
he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans
5:3-5 (Underlined for emphasis.)
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