Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.
Last year, I built a fence around our backyard. When you have three children, ages 4 and under, you need a safe place to let them run wild and free. Rather than purchase shock collars and one of those invisible doggy fences, we opted for the more humane wooden fence. I think we made the right choice, while there are times, I have my doubts. I digress. Before the fence was built, I had a survey done on my property to establish the boundary lines, and I spoke with the city about codes, easements from the road, and all of the other fun hoops you get to jump through. I played by all the rules and the fence was built within the proper parameters. My kids have enjoyed playing in the backyard and my wife and I have enjoyed letting them do so without the fear of calamity befalling them via getting run over, abducted, etc. Several months ago, I received a message from the city code enforcer. It would appear one of my dear, sweet neighbors filed a complaint about the height of my fence potentially obstructing the view of the road from an intersection adjacent to our house. Now when I wrote the check for the purchase of materials for this project, I don’t recall seeing any of my neighbors’ names on the checkbook, however, I was elated to hear that my neighbors were thoughtful enough to consider the safety of motor vehicles in our neighborhood. I called the code enforcer back and we discussed the issues of my fence. I told him I had documentation of a survey, I was well within the easement of the road, and I had worked through the proper channels to build the fence in a manner that was compliant with all of the lovely rules set in place for such a project. That settled it. My flesh wanted to send our family into debt and build a 40-foot-tall fence complete with flashing sirens and any other sort of distraction I could think of, but I resisted that roaring lion.
Now, I wave a little harder and smile a little brighter from my yard as my neighbors pass by because - WWJD. The proof I had in that little survey printed on 4 sheets of paper was all I needed to settle the issue.
In 2 Peter 1, we see the significance of the power the Bible attributes to knowledge. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” All the power available from God to live godly lives comes through knowledge! This puts a high value on doctrine and instruction we get from the Scriptures. Not that knowing guarantees godliness, but it would seem that ignorance guarantees ungodliness. How can we know if we don’t read? Can we trust what we read? Starting in verse 16, Peter goes on to discuss how true the Word of God really is. Verse 21 says, “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” The Bible is not the product of human effort but an inerrant, God-breathed word. There is a peace in knowing that the book we read is rooted in absolute truth. It’s our foundation. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that when a code enforcer calls about fencing discrepancies, you possess a document, holding the truth, that will set the record straight. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that when life gets tough, your world closes in on you, suffering is rampant, and questions consume your thought process, you possess a document, holding the truth, that will set the record straight.
Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
- Read! Take time to read your Bible. Make it a habit.
- Meditate! Think about what the Bible means. Be humbly troubled by its words.
- Discuss! Plug into a house church and spend time discussing God’s Word in community.
- Reflect on Hosea 4:6 and Romans 10:2.
- Encouragement: “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord.” Hosea 6:3
- Take a few moments to reflect on the suffering Christ endured on the cross. Now, take a few moments to reflect on the reason he endured that suffering. SPOILER ALERT...the answer is it was for you!
- Read Romans 5:3-5
- Prayer: God, reveal your will for our lives through your Word. Give us the tenacity and motivation to dive into your Scriptures so that we may find You. Encourage us and sharpen us. Give us the boldness to learn Your Word and then practice it. We love You.
Family Devo: 2 Peter 1
By: Ty Park
When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.
Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset
Head
In 2 Peter Chapter 1, Peter addresses the believers and reminds them of the abundant blessings and promises of God. He encourages the readers to grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Heart
Reflecting on Peter's words, we can find comfort and assurance in knowing that through our faith in Jesus, we become part of God's family. Regardless of our background or ethnicity, God calls us and welcomes us into His loving embrace. Just as Peter emphasizes, our identity as children of God is unchanging and secure. In times of doubt or confusion, it is important for us to remind ourselves that we can trust in God's unfailing plan for our lives.
Hands
Recognizing our belonging to God's family should inspire us to extend love and kindness to all whom we encounter. Just as Jesus accepted and befriended people from all walks of life, we too are called to show the same compassion. Let us be attentive to the needs of others, offering a smile, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand to those who are hurting or feeling alone. By doing so, we demonstrate the love of God that is in our hearts.
Prayer: God, We thank You for the love You have for us. I pray that today we are reminded of that and live from that promise! May the love You have for us pour out to others around us today. It’s in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.