December 13

2 Peter 3

Some people will scoff at the Day of the Lord, but we ought to purify ourselves for it.

INSIGHT

Most people agree that the world cannot last forever. Eventually the hydrogen in the sun will burn out, and the sun will grow cold, destroying the earth in the process. So how will the earth end? The Bible tells us that the day will come when the heavens and the earth will be destroyed by fire. It may not happen soon, but it will happen. Since all of us must face “the end” sometime, Peter writes that as we look forward to these things, we should accept salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Though we are not always consistent in our Christian walk, we can praise the Lord that He is always faithful to us:
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth….
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield….
But we will bless the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 115:1, 11, 18).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness sake, O Lord (Psalm 25:6-7).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
(John 14:23)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Spiritual victory over sin
• Opportunities to serve the Lord in your home, office, or neighborhood
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom….
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! (Psalm 90:12, 14).