Scripture:
2 Peter 1:4 “[By Christ's power] he has promised that you will escape the decadence around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.”
Observation:
Here’s another example of when the NLT differs from the other major interpretations, but I like this one. Essentially others say “escape corruption caused by evil desire.” What christian wants to be part of corruption? None that I know. But we all want decadence in our life; I can identify with that. However, it’s something I need to escape. Building or contributing to it establishes my life as grounded in the world rather than grounded in Christ. It makes me spiritually fat and yet malnourished. On the other hand, we are promised divine nature – decadence (fleeting) verses divinity (eternal).
Application:
I can’t even begin to identify the decadence around me. Perhaps that’s the best start – identifying the “corruption” I eschew but is disguised as decadence I embrace.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to take part in your divine nature – help me identify and shed the corrupting decadence in my life.
Scripture:
Matthew 14:28-29 “‘Then Peter called to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.’ ‘All right, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.”
Observation:
Something about having Jesus right in front of you telling you to walk on water makes this step of faith seem easier; yet, “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed.” I think God is still calling people from their boat, it’s just not easy to do so.
Application:
I think our “boat” can represent a lot of things – in the not-so-distant past, it represented Peter’s living. Whatever it is, it’s certainly always the status quo, safety, comfort. It’s not that I lack faith in God, but rather my ability to hear God’s voice.
Prayer:
Lord, give me clarity to see your direction.
Scripture:
Job 19:25-27 “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the eart at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes, I am overwhelmed at the thought!”
Observation:
My Redeemer lives. Something about that phrase fills me with triumph, comfort, and peace. I do think it’s interesting that Job says it – As Christians, when we talk about a “living God” it is wrapped up in Christs’ resurrection – Job was a Jew, certainly a follower of a living God, but this phrase sticks out as unique to me.
Job ’s despair is great, as are his reasons for having it. He seems to lose it at times, asserting his own righteousness and perfection, but he returns to these thoughts about God – My Redeemer lives.
Application:
My Redeemer lives! I always have reason for hope, reason for peace, reason for love, reason for grace … I have been redeemed – saved from living a life without this light.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for being a living God, for redeeming my soul, and for the hope that gives me in this life.
Scripture:
Psalms 33:15 “He fashioned our hearts, and understands everything we do.”
Observation:
Knowing that the God I worship, the God of all creation, the God in ultimate control understands what I do is comforting. He knows my temptations, he knows my brokeness, he knows my heart and thoughts completely. He knows exactly what is broken, and exactly how to fix it. Paul says God will complete His good work in me (Phil. 1:6) – Jeremiah says He has good plans for me (Jer. 29:11). Christ identifies with my struggle against sin, and God knows my struggle in sin – It makes it not feel quite so secret, not so isolating.
Application:
I need to be patient and trust that God is completing a good work in me, and that he is doing the same in others. He knows and understands where we all are. I need to remember these things when I’m frustrated with myself, and when I’m frustrated with others.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for your omniscience.
Scripture:
Psalm 139: 23-24 “Search me O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Observation:
It is one thing to be searched and called out in your sin – but another thing entirely to be tested. Purging the evil from my life ultimately results in a more pleasing life to God and to me. When I think about being tested … my concern isn’t whether I would “pass” (not that I know I would) but what it could cost me. Almost the difference between being healthy verses fit. At relatively low cost and with a modicum of discipline one can maintain good health. The cost though of being fit is quite a different level.
Application:
Quite honestly Lord I’m not sure I have the courage to ask to be tested. Is comfort my highest value? I DO want to be ready when trials come, but submitting myself to them purposefully is not in me.
Prayer:
Give me the strength and courage to someday make this my prayer.
