3-4 Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
10-11 So, friends, confirm God’s invitation to you, his choice of you. Don’t put it off; do it now. Do this, and you’ll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Second Peter 1: 3-4, 10-11 The Message
This scripture makes things pretty simple. How do we follow God? What do we need to do in order to live a life which makes the Lord smile? The answer is getting to know Jesus. Jesus is the one who invites. In that sense, Jesus offers a very special invitation.
We are now into the summer months, when many weddings take place. Jeana and I recently attended a wedding of the daughter of our longtime friends. We had a wonderful time at the weddings, and even hit the dance floor! We are so thankful we said “yes” to the invitation.
An older friend who was well into his 90’, recently said; “When you reach the end of your life, you will have more regrets about the things you did not do, than about the things you did.” I don’t believe any of us want to make that statement. We do not want to regret lost opportunities. This is so true about many activities and decisions, including spiritual ones. Thus, I would encourage you to say “yes” to God!
None of us know the day or time that we will leave this earth. We recently quickly lost a wonderful woman from our congregation. She was at church on a Sunday morning, and passed away unexpectedly that afternoon. I am certain that she is now with the Lord…
Many people take an “I will have to think about” approach to accepting Jesus. Here, the verses from Peter are helpful. They instruct us: “Don’t put it off; do it now.” Occasionally, I will clean out the inside of my car. Inevitably, I will come across some expired coupons for food, or for items which I intended to buy, but did not. Those expired coupons are a reminder that we should not put off the God of the universe. Therefore, give this day and every day to the Lord, and ask Him to direct Your paths! There really is no time like the present…
Prayer
Father God in heaven,
Thank you for sending not only prophets and teachers, but also Your very own son. Jesus is the best, most personal, and the ultimate invitation for us to begin a relationship with You. You know everyone’s heart. May You help those who have been putting off knowing You, realize that there is no time like the present, to accept Your Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I pray this prayer in His Holy name. Amen.
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