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14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18' But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen!

 

What is it that the early church is looking forward to and waiting for? The Day of the Lord.

What are you waiting for right now? In the midst of the Christmas rush, it may be the Christmas card order that has been delayed or those gifts that haven't yet arrived. You are getting ready to celebrate Christ's birth. Will you be ready?

The church of Peter's time is wondering why in this time of persecution and longing Christ hasn't yet returned. Peter patiently explains above that God is showing His mercy to them by giving them more time to come to Him for salvation. Interestingly enough, Peter comments about Paul's letters in a positive way here even though they have differing points of view. Paul's focus is salvation by grace, while Peter's is Christian life and service. They did not contradict each other but simply had different points of view. Can we learn a lesson from this today?

What would you like the Lord to find you doing when He comes again? As you make all of the preparations for Christmas, don't forget what it's all about...living a pure and blameless life and being at peace with God.

A solo that I used to sing written/composed by John Peterson sums up both situations!

Will You Be Ready?

Is your house in order for the coming of the King?

Are you under His control in each and ev'ry thing?

Is He now your Lord and Master and the One who's worshiped and adored?

Clear compelling witness for the Savior do you give?

Living every moment like a Christian ought to live?

Say, will you be ready for the coming of the Lord?

 

Our heavenly Father, make us aware of the fact that we should actually be preparing for two celebrations each day: one of the gifts of your precious Son to each of us and secondly, the final coming of our Risen Lord and Savior, which will at last usher in a world of Peace. With hearts full of love and thanksgiving for Your promise, we say, “Halleluiah, Amen!”

 

Sarah (Sally) L. Messmer star19mess@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: Peace on Earth. Good Will to Men.