I size up situations in a flash, quickly gather my findings, and rapidly compartmentalize persons I meet. I’m a ‘pigeon hole’ specialist!

God is not like that. I’m more likely to come to a conclusion than contemplate a condition. But God is in no hurry to bring any matter to conclusion. He could unleash His power upon the earth and usher in Christ’s return right now. Apparently He does not wish to do so. According to the Bible, God is actually “restraining himself” and “holding back the End.” He loves His creation and wants to allow as much “space and time” as possible for His precious, rebellious children to repent.

“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live,” (Ezekiel 18.32). 

“He’s giving everyone space and time to change,” (2nd Peter 3.8-9 “The Message”).

If God gives “everyone space and time to change,” then so should I. If I intend to be godly, as He commands, I must incorporate some of His attributes in my interaction with fellow humans. Apparently, like patience, self-restraint is a virtue. “Space and time” may be the kindest gift I offer.

A man is enslaved to that which he cannot stop himself from doing or thinking. He is a slave to his addictions.

“…for if they are addicted to corruption – and they are – they’re enslaved,” (2nd Peter 2.19b “The Message”). 

There are many varieties of addictions. All of them are insidious and seem harmless at first. Even when the addict is fully overcome by his drug of choice, he may not recognize his sorry plight. The impact of his condition is gradual, relentless, and very real. Others see it but he denies it. He is deceived by the lure of sin and his fascination with its false promise of happiness.

Besides preaching the word, Peter had the foresight to write the word. He knew the message of Christ he proclaimed was timeless. Peter’s written record endures for  the benefit of future generations of believers...

“And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind,” (1st Peter 1.15). 

Peter knew nothing of blogs, web sites, the internet, email, social networks, texting, virtual communities, Zoom calls, or podcasts. Yet, right in this moment, approximately one thousand, nine hundred and fifty-two years later, you and I are benefiting from Peter’s words... exactly as he imagined.

Redundancy is a systems precautionary measure. Modern gas valves, scuba tanks, and parachutes all use redundant systems. No one wants to blow up, run out of air, or fall to their death. Redundancies are introduced to insure the user’s safety in the event of an early first system failure.

Perhaps God is redundant on the “humility” theme for a good reason. He knows how cocky we can be after a little success. Often, and for no good reason, I fail to be humble. I must take extra precautions and make special note of the redundant instructions found throughout the Divine User’s Manual…

“Pride goes before… a fall.”

About thirty-six years ago Ken Blanchard wrote a popular book entitled The One-Minute Manager and coined the phrase “Keep your ‘I love you’s’ up to date.” I shall never forgot that. Life is too short not to keep your “I love you’s” up to date...

“The end of all things is near. Therefore… love each other deeply...” (1st Peter 4.7-8). 

This podcast is an overview of week 46 in the Word Traveler Bible reading plan and covers the following chapters in the Old and New Testaments: Ezekiel 1 – 19; 1st Peter 4 – 5; 2nd Peter 1 - 3. 

It is not the sacramental act that saves you. That “baptism now saves you” means so much more than the outward “removal of dirt,” (1st Peter 3.20-21). A sacrament does not carry magical powers to create inward change. It has meaning only because of the operative power of God’s grace through the sacrament on behalf of the true believer. Getting baptized, saying confession, choosing celibacy, or any other sincere sacrifice or good deed at all… none of that guarantees a home for me in heaven. Only the death and resurrection of Jesus makes eternal salvation and Christ-like behavior a possibility for me. 

When I walk into the waters of baptism (as I did over fifty years ago) or take the communion bread and cup (as I do weekly), I receive an impartation of the grace of God to do the work of God through faith in the Son of God.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast,” (Ephesians 2.8-9). 

“But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God,” (1st Peter 2.20). 

Our service to God is ultimately for God alone. We play to an audience of One. It’s Him we must please. Him alone. Those who make it their ambition to please men fall into a trap.

“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe,” (Proverbs 29.25). 

People pleasers can never perform to the level of people’s expectations and are left disappointed and bitter. Your service to God stands alone without regard for human approval.

There’s a beginning and an end to “the time of your stay on earth.” I knew nothing of the first half of eternity. I wasn’t there. I only existed as a thought in the mind of Christ. However, I will enjoy the second half with Jesus forever and ever. He asks very little of me…

“…you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence (on the earth, whether long or short).”

In the light of eternity and with the power and presence of Jesus living within me… how hard can that be?

Am I current on what I owe? Or, have I withheld what is rightly deserved? The Bible says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Romans 13.8 ESV). In the name of Jesus and His love, do I owe someone an act of love? 

Did I send them away when they tried to “collect?” The Bible makes a personal guarantee…

“…the pay… which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry… has reached the ears of the Lord…” (James 5.4). 

There’s only way to silence their outcry and put a smile back on God’s face. In the name of Jesus and for the love of God... pay what you owe.