Sometimes what I read in God's word causes me to become uneasy.  Today's reading is one of those times.  What do we do with verses like 2 Peter 2:20-22?

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.  For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.  What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”


At this point it leads me to earnestly pray for those I love who have walked away from the faith they once embraced.  Very solemn words.

Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Deb

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long. -Psalm 25:4-5

Seems fitting that I should read these words from the Psalms this morning.  Yesterday I wrote about all of the things that Peter said we should be adding to our faith if we are to be fruitful and effective (yesterday's post) How fitting to be reminded today that this  is a work of God.  How wonderful that God is my teacher and I do not have to rely upon myself.  Notice the verbs in this passage: make, teach, lead.  Whose actions are these?  The Lord's.  Notice the verb for the psalmist here...wait.

As I continue to read Psalm 25 there is much it reveals to me about the character of God and my role in our relationship.  I am particularly struck by verse 10; "for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies."    The world would like to believe that God's love and blessings are for everyone no matter what they believe about God.  It makes my heart sad for those who continue to walk in their own way rather than follow the Lord in the path he has laid.  It gives an urgency to my need to share the Gospel.


Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Deb

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” -C.S. Lewis