March 22nd -- We have an Eyewitness Report: 2 Peter 1:16-21

There are many today that say they can only believe what they can see. I usually ask them to consider LOVE. You can't really see love, you can see love's effects; but you can't see love...yet you believe in love. And if you can believe in love then you can believe in God, because God is love.

A court of law weighs very heavily the testimony of an expert witness. The word of an eyewitness is very convincing. Police officers take eyewitness accounts when they "investigate" accidents or conflicts. Safety managers do the same when they investigate industrial accidents. Television news departments try to get reporters on the scene of a current event or news worthy story. They even put reporters in "harms-way" to witness global conflict or horrifying storms.

Likewise Peter was an eyewitness of the majastey of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter heard the voice of heaven say, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Peter heard this voice that came from heaven when he was with (Jesus) on the sacred mountain.
We also have the word of the prophets made more certain.
Prophets who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

...And, believers in Christ, also have a "witness" in their hearts that Jesus is the Saviour of mankind, to those who believe in the One who was sent.

Yes, there is a "light" shining in a dark place...

If we believe in eyewitness testimony, the word of the prophets, the truth of the Holy Spirit, and trust in the witness in our own heart -- then we must WALK AS JESUS DID!

Do I have a witness?? Let me hear it, what is the testimony of your heart...
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth -- so help you, God?

March 12th The Welcome Sign is Out! 2Peter 1:10 - 15

For those of us who have traveled a little; you can relate with me, when you've been on the road for a long time: You're tired, hungry, and empty -- you pull into a town (where you have no advanced reservations) and all you see is that depressing sign -- "NO VACANCY". The business meetings were exhausting or the kids are restless (and all they want is a hotel with a pool, right?) All, you want is a bed & pillow, yet...NO VACANCY.

...and then you see it in the distance; VACANCY - WELCOME! Yes! Finally, we have arrived.

vs. 11 "...and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Please, let this settle-in for a moment. Let the Spirit of God resound this in your inner being, to the depths of your soul...

WELCOME!.....

.........................................................

Welcome, I've been waiting for you, I've been expecting you....rest, peace, joy.

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome..."

Peter states in vs.12 that this is so important, that we remember these things, even though we are firmly established in truth...

"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."

Wow, what a commitment, what a love, what a concern, what a legacy! This is obviously very important to Peter (and to God). This is our life blood, our foundation, our rock...to be reminded of our "divine power" vs. 3; of "His glory and goodness" vs. 3; of "escaping corruption" vs. 4; of "adding to our faith" vs. 5; of "truth" vs. 12

Remember these things; Remember these things; Remember these things
Refresh your memory; Refresh your memory; Refresh your memory

Share this Refreshing with your family, your friends, your brothers & sisters in Christ.

Again, stop for a moment (or longer) and Refresh your memory, remember, reflect, repent, and rejoice!

Welcome!