Daily Devotional
We Are Just Passing Through
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
2 Peter 3:11-14
August 18, 2023
Ponder This
In this passage, it sounds like Peter is asking a question. He’s not asking a question; he’s making a statement. He is speaking about what manner of person you ought to be. He is saying, for emphasis, if this is going to happen, what kind of people should we be? What manner of persons? The word manner means “from another world.”
It has the idea of being a stranger, an alien. He’s saying what “out of this world” kind of behavior ought you have? The idea speaks of exotic behavior, something that is not normal. He is saying that when we know what we know, we can’t be like everybody else. Our behavior is not of this world. We are to be different because Peter has already told us we are strangers and pilgrims. A stranger is not at home, and a pilgrim is on his way home. This world is not my home, I’m just passing through. We are not citizens of Earth trying to get to Heaven. We are already citizens of Heaven sojourning here on Earth. Therefore, we are to be different.
- What are some ways you act like the world? What are some ways you act differently?
- How does knowing who Jesus is change how we live?
Practice This
Ask an accountability partner how you act in a way that reflects the world instead of your heavenly home. Pray and repent of these things, asking God to help you live in line with His character and will.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
