To my precious four,
I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if you would have grown up in a different time in history. A day when the world wasn’t so cynical. When tolerance wasn’t a religion, when success meant more than money, and when more people genuinely looked out for each other. But different times only would have come with a different set of challenges in this sin-sick world. God’s purposes for us – for our family – are in the here and now.
So let’s embrace where God has us.
I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you that Jesus is coming back. I know that’s hard to grasp in the middle of responsibilities and friendships and growing up with seemingly unending opportunities ahead of you. But he is, and that should change how we live now. Hear me, sweet one. The size of our house, the newness of our cars, the clothes we wear, and the thrills we seek after? They’ll all be gone one day. Don’t be distracted by their temporary allurement. Living our lives for what lasts starts now, not later.
So how then should we live?
Until Jesus comes back, the world will busy you and speak confusion into your life, seeking to lure you away from your first love. Dear one, anticipate Christ and his return. Long for him more than anything else, and hold fast to his promises like never before.
Live today like Jesus might come back tomorrow.
Because he might. Love God and love people with all that you have. Forgive generously, because you have been forgiven much. Keep short accounts, remembering that you may not have tomorrow. Pursue holy living not just for the sake of rule-following, but because there is safety, peace, and joy in living God’s way, because a lost world is watching, and because your Jesus – the One who died in your place – is worthy of it. When Christ returns, oh that he may find us diligently pursuing after him.
No matter how crazy this world gets, live in confidence knowing that God has the last word.
Because you are his, you are heirs to an inheritance that never perishes, spoils, or fades. When bad news comes, when doubters rise up against you, when it feels like the world is winning (and sweet child, it will feel like this more often than not)… cling to the peace that can only be found in Christ. When you lay your head on your pillow each night, rest in the One who is in control of all things; the One who has all power to save; the One who is coming again to rule and reign over all.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart because for you, child of God, all is well.
Because you know this great peace, you mustn’t keep it to yourself.
Speak truth in love, even when it’s not popular. Find your identity in Christ, not in the approval of man. Tell of God’s free gift of salvation while there’s still time. When others divide and quarrel and waste away their days, rise above to love deeply and be the feet that bring good news. Time is short, and oh, how the world desperately needs to hear it.
Stand firm, my child.
The world won’t be shy in fighting for your allegiance, and so you must be ready to fight back. Be careful and on guard, weighing everything against Scripture. Don’t give in to weak and twisted truth, but instead grow in your knowledge of God so you won’t be led astray. There will be a thousand voices calling your name; quiet yourself long enough to hear his still, small voice that says, “This is the way; walk in it.” It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Finally, adore Christ.
Adore him much more than you adore sports, the latest gadget, fame, or your plan for a perfect life. Never stray far from the foot of the cross so that you can be reminded of the precious blood that was shed for you. Never forget that you deserved death, but instead he gave you life. And let your life reflect the wonder and awe that shines brightly in you because you just can’t get over the fact that Jesus saved you.
Oh my child, I know it’s hard to imagine, but one day you’ll see Jesus face to face. You’ll see him and every sacrifice, every tear, every trial will fade in comparison to his glory.
Hold tight.
Stand firm.
Never give up hope.
One day our faith will be made sight, and we won’t regret one single day of living for him.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. ~ Revelation 22:20
Come, Lord Jesus…
At His feet,
*LET’S TALK: If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, what changes would you make today?
*On this final day of our study, share how God has used our time in #1&2Peter in YOUR life…
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Sad that our {1&2 Peter} study has come to an end? Don’t be! Mark your calendars now for our BRAND NEW #LoveGodGreatly Summer Online Bible Study, beginning on June 15th! Grab some friends and meet us in {Psalm 119}… you won’t want to miss it!
Beautifully written, Whitney! Wise words, indeed! “Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!” (Jonathan Edwards)
I love that Edwards’ quote! We need to get a bumper sticker. 🙂
1st Peter 3:3 says First of all, I want you to know that in the last days men will laugh at the truth. They will follow their own sinful desires. I had a discussion with two co-workers who said turn the other cheek about sodomy because that is from the Old Testament, and we have a new covenant. But that seems to slap God Himself in the face. He loves us all as sinners but He doesn’t want children to play on the highway, nor does He want people to experiment with their bodies that He gave them, risking a terrible death for sexual freedom. I can’t believe that is His plan for us. Besides, there are so many pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament – if we throw those out, we don’t see the prophecies of Jesus coming, of how Jesus would die, of how God’s son would be our atonement for once and for all.
Valerie,
Thank you for standing strong for God especially in the face of those who persecute and criticize you!❤️
~Terria
Sometimes I skip over these emails (not yours in particular, but devotional type) in the morning because they are too ‘heavy’ for me when I first wake up. But today I wanted to read this one and am so glad that I did. Beautifully written, and a terrific reminder of what is real and where my heart should be in these times. These times that do clearly point to Jesus’ return being imminent. As a parent, too, it is the one thing I need to focus on in my life to set an example, and the one thing to focus my child’s eyes and heart on above all other things. Thanks for this, it is actually just what I needed to read this morning.
So glad you were encourged, Jenee! May God give you wisdom as a mom. Moms are “World Changers.” 🙂
First I want to thank you for the time and study you committed to putting together I & II Peter Bible Study. It is my prayer that God will bless His word in the lives of those who were able to participate in this study; that His Word will not return void but will deeply impact each of our lives and draw us closer to Him. May He be seen in our lives and may we (II Peter3:14) “…make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.” as we look forward to His return.
I loved this study because it has been a reminder that we live in a time that values immediate gratification, trust is based in what can be seen, and hope in what and how much can be accumulated…all so temporary.
In Christ, we believe in and value the work He did for us on the cross. We expectantly anticipate His return and our faith is grounded in His promise of eternity spent with Him…all faith based and eternal.
We must hold tightly to Him, spend time in His Word and know what and in whom we believe.
I also liked the reminder that the Lord’s patience in returning is giving opportunity for more people to come to know Him. While we await His return, we can also be busy spreading the gospel, getting salvation’s news to those so desperately in need.
Thank you again.
Carla,
What great lessons! I pray you become flooded with opportunities to implement everything you have learned so that you may continue to shine in this fallen world! Blessings! ❤️
~Terria
Whitney,
This was a simply beautiful post. Beautiful. This study has really helped me overcome some of my prejudices against Peter. I took some theology classes in college and in one course, the instructor said that Peter was a misogynist and ever since then, I have always read his texts with cynicism and reserve. This time, I prayed that the Holy Spirit remove all personal prejudices and agendas because this study was prepared by women. I saw these letters in an entirely new light and I received much needed spiritual food. Thank you for this opportunity for me to grow spiritually. God bless you all.
Monica,
Praise God that He gave you fresh eyes to be transformed by this study! I’m excited to see how The Lord uses you to help educate others who have “blind spots” in areas of the Bible. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
~Terria
I joined GMG about two years ago and I love all of the devotionals. I look so forward to receiving the emails on MWF. I must say though that this study, the study of 1&2 Peter has been my favorite!! I have grown so much and been reminded of all the promises of our sweet God!! Thank you for the time you take to help my faith grow!! I pray that the seeds you are planting in all of us will be returned to you and multiplied times 100.
Summer,
What a beautiful prayer! Thank you for joining us in this study! I pray that you have many opportunities to use and share everything you have learned in the last 8 weeks! ❤️
~Terria
Beautiful Whitney! Your heart poured out with great love! Thank you and all the LGG lovely ladies for all the sacrifice, time and effort you put into sharing your love of Christ with us all!
Sheila,
What beautiful words! I look forward to studying again with you this summer! ❤️
~Terria
Whitney, That was absolutely beautiful. What a powerful message. Thank you and all the ladies in leadership for this wonderful Bible study on I and II Peter. Looking forward to the next study. Blessings, Janine
Janine,
I pray that The Lord moves mightily and powerfully in the people around you as a result of your growth and knowledge of His Word! Thank you for joining us during this study, and I love forward to studying with you this summer! ❤️
~Terria
I was blessed by this study as well! My heart has been heavy with a burden of family relationships that are crazily messed up by sin. My brothers and sister mock my relationship with Christ and have pushed me out of their lives because of it. I pray for their salvation and continue to put my hope in the eternity with Christ and the ultimate reality that living to please him is better than living to please others.
Annie,
I am so sorry you have to endure this. Matthew 5:10 says “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So, Annie, my dear, you are blessed! I will be praying in unity with you for your family! ❤️
~Terria
Annie,
I am so sorry you have to endure this. Matthew 5:10 says “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So, Annie, my dear, you are blessed! I will be praying in unity with you for your family! ❤️
~Terria
Thank you all for this study. I lagged behind due to some health issues, but knowing there’d be future lessons, posts, and videos helped me to not give up, even if it meant I’d be a week behind. I have been truly blessed by pressing on because the ending was my favorite. Standing firm and pressing on is exactly what Peter taught. I am looking forward to the next study. God bless you and keep you all.
Thank you for sharing the Bible study on 1st and 2nd Peter. I have been going through some rough trials and tests but Praise God he opened the doors for this study in my life. I have grown stronger in the Lord and am so blessed that He has brought me through. I have been given grace and peace in abundance. I am to greatly rejoice in my sufferings in all my trials which increase my faith refined by fire and purer than gold. Prepare my mind daily to be self controlled. Do not conform to this world but be ye holy as He is holy. When I am insulted to not retaliate and in my sufferings do not make any threats but entrust my life to the one who judges justly. Don’t be surprised at the fiery trial I face as though something strange were happening but to REJOICE as I participate in the sufferings of Christ. To love others and to not repay evil for evil. But to live a good life so those who accuse me may see my good deeds and glorify God. By doing good you will silence the ignorant talk of the foolish.
I have learned to be quiet and to wait upon the Lord. No weapon formed against me shall prosper I have been chosen and am a royal priesthood a child belonging to God.