Letters Written on Our Hearts

Actually, I’m not going to stir you up. I’ll leave that up to Peter. After writing a letter to believers about Christian virtues and how to live a godly life, Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NASB):

“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind”

Thank goodness for reminders on my phone that are more and more helpful as the years go by. I’m thankful also for Peter’s reminders that help me to reset my mind on God and what things are important in this life.

It’s easy to brush aside a verse of Scripture or a biblical teaching because we already know it or have heard the verse or teaching a thousand times before. How much more personal the Word becomes when we recognize and acknowledge in our hearts that “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that “His living and active Word” (Hebrews 4:12) has fresh insights and depth of meaning that can change the entire direction of our day…or of our life! Think of it as “custom” marching orders for the day, issued by the Holy Spirit of God!

Today’s Treasure Hunt

• Homework Alert: In order to get the context for the passage above, read 2 Peter 1:1-15.
• As you read the Bible, pray, and ask God to give you understanding and insight. Record it somehow (journal, phone notes, planner), so you can call it to mind later. Leave a comment and share what you learned.

• Despite the fact we may have heard or know a verse or passage, we need to be able to “call these things to mind” (I Peter 1:15). When the Scripture leads us into the presence of the Lord, it becomes personal, and His Holy Spirit can speak to our hearts and overflow His lovingkindness to others.
• Even though Peter was in his last days, he faced his death with increased fervor to share with the believers a letter that would “stir them up” when it came to their faith. He pushed aside fear in favor of faith.
• He assures the believers that they could partake not only of God’s precious and magnificent promises but the divine nature of God. Wow! We can trust his promises because of his divine character.
• We can escape the corruption that is in the world. We need to remember this when we feel overwhelmed by the evil that has crept into our culture, our communities, our government, and our families.