I arrived in Atlanta over an hour later than expected. So, I slept in later than I planned this morning. Carter was excited to have me here, so he stayed home from Vacation Bible School so we could play the NBA video game.

We did go the swimming pool this afternoon. Mckenzie has taken lessons since the last time I was here so she is getting used to the water  and learning to swim. Not too bad for two! I was able to try out the goggles and swim trunks, hat and shirts Stephanie got me for Father’s Day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “….These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution…. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, because the Lamb, who is in the centre of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17 GNB)

The Bible is clear that God’s judgment will one day come to the earth and all who have rebelled against The Lord. The events are recorded and sealed. Seven seals guard the contents. They stand ready to be opened; but not just anyone can do so. There is only One who is worthy. He is described as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” He is none other than our crucified, resurected and glorified Savior, Jesus Christ.

As John sees and records the events the breaking of the “Seven Seals” themselves triggers. These are events of great magnitude. It is as it were, “the beginning of the end.” 

When the Sixth Seal is opened we see a multitude of mrytrs. They are not those in rags, with forlorgned looks on their faces. They are from all the peoples of the earth, dressed in white, praising and worshipping The Lord.

” They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9, 10 GNB)

In God’s “upside down kingdom” those who are persecuted, despised, tested and found true are the ones who are exalted. In the eyes of earth  they may be viewed as defeated, but not in God’s eyes. As Jesus addresses the seven Churches, we see these words of promise:

“Those who win the victory will be clothed like this in white….In the presence of my Father and of his angels I will declare openly that they belong to me.” (Revelation 3:5 GNB)

 “I will make those who are victorious pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it….” (Revelation 3:12)

“To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, I will give the same authority that I received from my Father…I will also give them the morning star.” (Revelation 2:26-28 GNB)

There is a day when suffering comes to an end and The Lord says, “enough.”  The Lord brings a great reversal for these faithful Ones. Their response is one of praise before The Lord. The praise of these faithful Ones is followed by the angels, twenty-four elders and four-living creatures that are before God’s throne. So, I picture this multitude not just in joining, but leading the praise before God’s throne.

These faithful Ones experienced persecution, tribulation, and trials of all kinds…for a time. But they are protected and provided for by The Lord for all eternity.

Paul said, “And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 GNB)

As I make progress in my long road to full recovery, I am surprised how some trying and challenging days of the past have faded in light of the present. I think, if that is the case with a journey through illness, how much greater the glories of eternity in light of any troubles that come to this life.

And the important thing to remember, we don’t have hold our praise for “that day.” We can offer an “overcomers” praise to The Lord each day.

Today is a travel day for me. I am headed to Atlanta for another visit with Stephanie and family. My flight was scheduled to leave Denver at 4:40 p.m. and as of now is delayed.

Before leaving for the airport, I did make it to my Chiropractor appointment and got the lawn mowed. This is my first trip with crutches only, but I believe it will go well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Don’t be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.”  Revelation 2:10

This call to the Church at Smyrna is dramatic and challenging. It reminds me of Hebrews 2:15 “[That Jesus] might render powerless him who had the power of death….and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”

The most dangerous person is the one who doesn’t fear death. The saints in Smyrna had suffered trials and persecution. The resurrected Christ lets them know He is aware of their circumstances and tells them to have courage for what lies ahead. They will face prison and some may die, but the promise is that in death they will find life.

Those who remain faithful even in the most trying of circumstances are the ones who are the true victors. Christ brings victory over death and in death as we stand strong in faith.

As we face the trials of life, whether through the challenges that come in our sojourn through life, or because of our faith, if death is the “worst that could happen” even that does not need to discourage or intimidate us.

Most of us will not face “Smyrna” kind of sufferings. But we will face times of struggle and difficulty. These come and test our courage, faith and resolve.

What we need to remember is, The Lord knows, He is with us and will give the strength needed for each trial we face.

I am writing my blog later than usual. I returned from a full day and a long drive home from Lakewood. I went to Englewood this morning to go with my mother to her doctor’s appointment. Later in the day, I stopped to see my friends George and Annette Brauchler. It was good to see them and we shared updates about our respective health challenges. I was pleased when George mentioned his sister, Linda, follows my progress and blogs in the midst of her own health challenges.

After leaving the Brauchlers, I made a quick stop to see my friend Rick Enstrom. I made him promise to come to Fort Collins to take me fishing. My plan was to stop at Broomfield on the way home to see Riley’s baseball game. But traffic and rain changed my plans and delayed my return home.

Tomorrow, I travel back to Atlanta for another visit with Stephanie, Nathan, Mason, Carter and Mckenzie.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Once again old men and women, so old that they use canes when they walk, will be sitting in the city squares.  And the streets will again be full of boys and girls playing. “This may seem impossible to those of the nation who are now left, but it’s not impossible for me.  I will rescue my people from the lands where they have been taken,  and will bring them back from east and west to live in Jerusalem.”        Zechariah 8:4-8

As Zechariah prophesies about the restoration of Jerusalem, he draws a picture that is far beyond the imagination of  the present circumstances would dictate about the future. Men and women who would be cast aside due to age or disability are seen in public, in the midst of the activity of the city. Children playing in the streets. Life has returned to a desolate place.

When I think of the condition of Jerusalem and the contrast of the picture the prophet paints, I think of some of the bombed out cities during World War II. Complete devastation and rubble as far as the eye can see. The condition of Jerusalem and prospects for the future would seem as far fetched and challenging as those conditions.

The Lord speaks and says, “This may seem impossible…but it’s not impossible for me.” I am thankful that the Lord can work and do that which beyond our ability to comprehend or believe. We look at situations and say, “it’s impossible!” The Lord says, “not with me.”

From a human perspective a virgin having a baby is impossible. A barren woman having a baby in her old age is impossible.  But not with God. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you [Mary], and the power of the Highest will overshadow you… Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.”  (Luke 1:35-37)

When the “rich young ruler” walked away from Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. The disciples were perplexed. “Who can be saved…who can make it in God’s eyes?”  Jesus responded, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

A man brings his demonized boy to Jesus and asks for help. He basically says, “Lord do something, if you can…” Jesus responded, “‘If you can’?” …. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark  9:23)  We don’t have to believe that something is possible through the natural events of life, but we can place our faith in the God who says, “everything is possible for one who believes” and “with God nothing is impossible.”

During the day of Elisha, the city of Samaria was so devastated by drought and war that all the money you had couldn’t buy food for your family. But Elisha prophesies, “Listen to the word of the LORD; thus says the LORD, ‘Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.'” The royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Then he said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.” (2 King 7:1,2)

This turn around was not something the human mind could comprehend. But it happened. It happened when the angel of the Lord went into the Assyrian camp and the armies ran for their lives and left all the plunder of recent victories along with any supplies. In twenty-four hours the Lord showed with Him, “all things are possible.”

In Zachariah’s day it seemed impossible for God’s people to return to Jerusalem for the city to prosper once again, but it happened. It happened again in 1947 when Israel was once again recognized as a nation. Impossible in the human mind, in the mind of nations and leaders, but not with God.

Don’t base your expectation for the future and the outcome of your situation on what you can picture taking place in your mind or what other people have to say. A teenage girl couldn’t comprehend how she was going to have a baby, but she did. A royal officer of the King of Samaria didn’t believe God could change the economy of the city in a day, but He did. A father, concerned for his son, wasn’t sure if Jesus was able to bring deliverance, but He did. The Lord will always have the final word and with Him, “nothing is impossible.”

Today was busy day for me. I was able to manage without a nap and pushed through my schedule. I had three meetings this morning by the time 11 a.m. arrived, which is unusual for my schedule. After some work at home and lunch, I set off for over three hours of appointments and errands.

When I arrived home, Debbie told me we heard the reports from my mole biopsies last week. It does look like the one over my eye is a squamous cell carcinoma, which is the grade between basil cell and melanoma. So it looks like they will need to do some more digging on my forehead.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord does not easily become angry, but he is powerful and never lets the guilty go unpunished.…The Lord is good; he protects his people in times of trouble; he takes care of those who turn to him.” Nahum 1:3,7

The prophet Nahum speaks against the people of Nineveh. If you are familiar with the story of Jonah, you will recall the name of the capitol city of Assyria. Nineveh repented under the preaching of Jonah, but they did not completely turn from their ways. They were used of the Lord to take Israel (the ten northern tribes) into captivity. They were a ruthless and violent people.

After they conquered Israel they came against Judah in the days of Hezekiah. But the Lord intervened and the Assyrians did not shoot an arrow at Jerusalem, but an angel of the Lord went into the camp and destroyed the army that was poised to attack God’s people.

In our human understanding, it is challenging to have a balance view of the Lord. We do see that “God is love.” But God is also, “holy, just and righteous.” That means His patience with evil will have a limit. Some view God as inactive and an almost overindulgent parent. Others view Him as a harsh task master, difficult to please and ready to punish. Neither view is correct.

In our human existence, will continue to live with this mystery of the greatness of God, the “fierceness” of God, if you will and at the same time His love, compassion and mercy. Nahum’s statement is important. “The Lord is not easily angered and never lets the guilty go unpunished.” The Lord’s patience creates as much consternation as His love and judgment. Some are frustrated because God doesn’t act and others view His lack of “immediate divine retribution” as license to continue to lives of disobedience.

How powerful is our God? Look at Nahum’s words, “He commands the sea, and it dries up! He makes the rivers go dry. The fields of Bashan wither, Mount Carmel turns brown, and the flowers of Lebanon fade. Mountains quake in the presence of the Lord; hills melt before him. The earth shakes when the Lord appears; the world and all its people tremble.” (Nahum 1:4,5)

What is the appropriate response? Awe and worship to God who is holy and powerful. And when we understand His power that is available to us it gives us hope. Paul in the New Testament says God’s power is so great we limit him by even imaging what to ask, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.“ (Eph. 3:20)

For those who place their faith in Christ, God’s power works for us and in us, not against us. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers is appropriate for all time. “…[I pray] our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…” (Eph. 1:17-20)

God’s power for the disobedience brings fear and judgement. For those who live in relationship with Jesus Christ, His power reminds us of His goodness and His work in our lives. God’s holiness and power may bring punishment to the disobedient, but to His children it brings protection, reassurance and confidence.

In your life, in good times and in bad, always find yourself, “turning to the Lord.” That is the place of His care, provision and protection.

This has been a nice day to get work done. Debbie and I enjoyed our first morning coffee time on our patio. Then most of the day has been Debbie working inside the house and me working outside. I’m not able to get as much done in the time I have as I used to, but it is still good to be able to navigate around and do what I can for as long as I can.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…You have said, ‘It’s useless to serve God. What’s the use of doing what he says or of trying to show the Lord Almighty that we are sorry for what we have done?  As we see it, proud people are the ones who are happy….” Malachi 3:14,15

Malachi is an interesting book of prophecy. The context itself does not give any history about Malachi or the historical setting or timing. It undoubtedly is before Israel and Judah were taken into exile, but during the reign of which king it is unknown from the text.

It is also interesting in that, much of the context is a back and forth, question and answer, statement and question between the Lord and the people. For example the book opens with this exchange: “The Lord says to his people, “I have always loved you.” But they reply, “How have you shown your love for us?” (Malachi 1:2,3)

In chapter three we read: “you ask, ‘What must we do to turn back to you?’  I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings.”     (Malachi 3:7-8) Just before our “…verse for today” above, we see this exchange: “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘What have we said about you?’ (Malachi 3:13)

This type of dialogue reminds me of someone who is in trouble in and tries to keep avoiding the issue, misdirecting the conversation, making accusations, instead of “fesing up.” But

God’s people had begun to focus on the “world around them.” They looked at evil, the saw drought and storms. As a result they had grown weary of serving the Lord and had adopted a view of God from the idol worshipers of the day. They thought God could be fooled.  They thought they could “go through the motions” and determine their own standards in worship to the Lord, and all would be well.

So, they brought sacrifices that were the worst, not the best. They brought the lame and the blind as an offering to the Lord. They allow marriage and family commitments to be disregarded. They did not tithe on their crops but determined whatever they gave in honor of the Lord should be good enough for Him. In all of their actions they showed contempt for the Lord and endeavored to make God their servant, instead of serving the Lord.

This all came about because people saw injustice, but did not feel that God was doing anything. They even concluded that “God must love evil doers.”  They challenged God with the question, “Where is the God who is supposed to be just?”  (Malachi 2:17) They failed to see that it was their disobedience and behavior that was at the root of their troubles and confusion. They were the problem, not God.

In the midst of this spiritual confusion, there were those who kept to God’s promises and did not compromise their faith. Of those committed to the Lord, God says, “On the day when I act, they will be my very own. I will be merciful to them as parents are merciful to the children who serve them. Once again my people will see the difference between what happens to the righteous and to the wicked, to the person who serves me and the one who does not.” (Malachi 3:17,18)

God is not unaware of what is happening among His people. He is not deaf to their cries. Whether we like it or not; understand it or not, God is working out His plan and purposes for His people and the world. In the end the wicked will not continue to prosper and will face an accounting. Those who remain faithful to the Lord will be shown mercy and receive the reward of their faith.

In the closing verses of the book of Malachi, we see the Lord giving assurance of a “coming day.” A day when the wicked will be judged and the righteous rewarded. “The Lord Almighty says, “The day is coming when all proud and evil people will burn like straw. On that day they will burn up, and there will be nothing left of them. But for you who obey me, my saving power will rise on you like the sun and bring healing like the sun’s rays.”  (Malachi 4:1,2)

The questions and challenges to faith that God’s people faced in Malachi’s days are faced today. We see injustice and those who are wicked prosper. We see the godly struggle far beyond what we believe should be taking place. But it is important for us to not make hasty conclusions about our life or God’s faithfulness and character by what is seen in this temporary time and space we occupy. We are assured that the Lord is faithful and knows how to protect His own. That is why Peter toward the end of his life, hundreds of years after the day of Malachi reassured believers with the words, “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”  (2 Peter 2:9)

Patience, perseverance, faith, hope, obedience are the keys that should direct our lives. Remember, you can’t “fool God.”  If you get in an accountability conversation with God…..just be quick to repent and find His forgiveness and mercy.

We had a day of travel to Lakewood. We spent most of the time with Christian and Bridget and kids, waiting on word for Riley’s baseball games. The word finally came that they were cancelled for today. What started out as a nice sunny day, was interrupted by another rain storm. If I get another notice from the City of Fort Collins that my water useage is higher than my neighbors, I will be disappointed!

We did get by to see my mother and help her with the TV I brought to her on Tuesday. My sister and I will go with her to a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday.

We did return home in time for the Saturday evening service at Timberline. It was good to hear another challenging and practical message from my friend Jeff Lucas. When we returned home I felt fairly fatigued, but then again, I might have just been hungry!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then Haggai gave the Lord‘s message to the people: “I will be with you—that is my promise.”  Haggai 1:13  “When you came out of Egypt, I promised that I would always be with you. I am still with you, so do not be afraid.”  Haggai 2:5

The Lord calls the prophet Haggai to confront God’s people about their failure to rebuild the Temple. They were satisfied with having their homes and living in the land of Judah once again. They were also satisfied with the Temple being in ruins. The prophet let the people know that their misplaced priorities was having an impact on their prosperity.

You will find an important principle at work. If you place yourself and your needs first you will never have enough. If you place the Lord first, your needs will be met. That is why Jesus said the remedy for worry over food, clothes and life itself was to, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matt. 6:33)

As the people committed themselves to rebuilding the Temple, the Lord gave them this promise,  “I will overthrow all the nations, and their treasures will be brought here, and the Temple will be filled with wealth.  All the silver and gold of the world is mine. The new Temple will be more splendid than the old one, and there I will give my people prosperity and peace.” The Lord Almighty has spoken.” (Haggai 2:7-9) Even though the rebuilt temple would lack the splendor of Solomon’s temple, the Lord would make it would be magnificent, a place of splendor because of the His blessing and provision.

As God’s people repent, His simple response and affirmation of their repentance was, “I will be with you….” No great details, no road map for the future. God’s presence is the most valuable and at times the most overlooked promise of the Lord.

When Moses was preparing to lead the Children of Israel from Mount Sinai, the reassurance the Lord gave him in the midst of his anxiety and feelings of inadequacy was, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) When David was dealing with the consequences of his sin, his cry was, “…take not your Holy Spirit from me…” (Psa. 51:11)

When we understand that the Lord is with us, it gives us strength for the journey. It provides the encouragement we need to face the challenges of life. It shouts to us the new beginnings and new life is possible.

As I read the short book of Haggai this morning, I was also reading the commencement address of Michael Ward from Oxford University at Hillsdale College. This statement in his introduction caught me attention:

“I come from the Old World in particular from Oxford, the home of lost causes, where we don’t have “Commencement”: we just graduate and diminish and go into the west and remain embittered. So America’s status as the home of fresh starts, of the pioneer spirit, of beginnings leading to commencements, sounds to me alarmingly positive and energetic.”

The connection is this, Haggai was addressing a people who were living in the midst of what seemed to be “a lost cause.” Every day, was a day of struggle. Their expectations were not being met. But as they aligned their priorities through obedience to the Lord they found a “new beginning.” They committed themselves to a fresh start and adopted a “pioneer spirit” that would carve out a new future in the Lord’s land of promise. And as they did, the Lord promised them that, “He would be with them…” As a matter of fact. He had always been with them.

When the Lord is present, there are no “lost causes.” There is hope, there is a fresh start and a new beginning.

Today, I found out that I’m not a good garage sale person. Our neighborhood is holding their annual garage sale and after having a few items out for about an hour, I had reached the limit of my patience. So, I took the few items we had to my neighbor girls and told them to sell anything they could and keep the proceeds.

We had a mid morning rain storm, instead of our normal evening showers. That threw off some of my plans. This afternoon I did have a massage, which was good following some of my Chiropractic adjustments this week. I returned home to mow the lawn before any more rain hit this afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.” Jude 20,21

Jude, his short letter, like Peter focuses on warning against false teachers. The risk that false teachers pose is not just leading people astray in what they believe, but confusing people and distressing people to the point of them “losing their faith” at least failing to maintaining a vibrant faith, a true faith in the Lord.

Jude says the our faith must be contended for and not taken for granted. The risk is not those on the outside lobbing attacks, it is from those who work their way into “the church.” “…some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.” (Jude 4)

Jude reveals the destiny of false teachers. Again like Peter he shows how there have been those throughout time that have opposed the ways of the Lord. Who have brought confusion to people and led them astray in what they believe. The risk of being deceived and abandoning true faith is great.

Jude points out those of the exodus who rebelled and did not follow the Lord. He even points to angels who abandoned their secure position. He calls to remembrance the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam and Korah. He even quotes a prophecy from Enoch, one of the ancients, “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him!” (Jude 14,15)

Jude reveals the character of false teachers.  “These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way….will make fun of you…follow their own godless desires.”  These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit.” (Jude 16,18-19)

Jude reveals the key to a stable faith. A stable faith is a strong faith. Faith is made strong when it is put into action, just like building of muscles. Jude says to, pray in the “Spirit” – the power of the Holy Spirit. Reliance on the presences and power of Christ makes our faith strong. Then Jude says fix your eyes on the eternal life Christ has promised and that He is bringing about in our lives.

Jude then challenges believers to the actions and attitudes that contribute to a stable faith. “Show mercy toward those who have doubts; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and to others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their very clothes, stained by their sinful lusts.” (Jude 22,23)

In our present culture we see faith more often mocked than held in esteem. We can see those who “grumble and blame others, brag about themselves and flatter to get their way, while making fun of people of faith.” But we are called to respond with mercy, to take action and rescue those from a path of destruction and to “love the sinner” without participating or endorsing their sin.

Believers throughout time have faced adversity and challenges to their faith, yet they remained strong and faithful. While times change, the challenges of life and faith seem to the same. We can learn from the past and be strengthened in our resolve in the present.

I have noticed some increased a fatigue in the past couple of days. I’m not sure if it is related to my body acclimating to  the Chiropractic adjustments or just the Myasthenia Gravis. After an afternoon nap, I did ride my bike to the fitness center for a workout. It has been a few weeks since I have been there, so it was good to return. Debbie is enjoying our new garage set up. I’m not sure I appreciated the challenges she has had to put up with the past almost two years. So this new change is not only good news for me but for Debbie as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17,18

In his second letter Peter cautions believers against false teachers. It is one thing to be opposed in your faith by those who are against Christ, it is another to have your faith challenged, put to the test, by those who claim to be followers of Christ. But this has been a tactic of the “evil one” since the Old Testament and Peter acknowledges that as he writes, “False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)

Paul warned the Ephesian elders, “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.“ (Acts 20:30)  Peter warns that false teachers are often after financial gain and are covering up their own lives of disobedience. Peter told believers about those who twist the words of Paul to gain a following: “There are some difficult things in his [Paul’s] letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)

In this environment that can challenge and be toxic to faith Peter reassures believers, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment…”       ( 2 Peter 2:9) Distorters of truth and mockers of God’s promise can pose a trial to those who are endeavoring to live faithful lives. The solution is to stay close to the clear teaching of God’s Word. There are some who have almost made it their life calling to “call out” those they believe are “false teachers,” but Peter says the Lord will be the final judge and hold them accountable.

Peter’s final words give additional direction. “Be on guard…” Awareness is the key. Just because someone uses a biblical reference doesn’t mean they are teaching truth. What is the fruit of their lives? What is the impact on people’s lives? Are their words a clear departure from the historic teachings of the faith? These are the questions that help us to “stay safe.”

Peter concludes by saying, “grow in grace and in the knowledge of….Jesus Christ…” We have a personal responsibility to strengthen our faith, to know and study the Bible so that we can navigate the “mine fields” that pose a threat to our spiritual lives.