Christian Tiews

Today we start a new book of the New Testament, a letter from the Apostle John to all Christians. John writes about faithfulness in our walk with God. Our sinful pride rejects God’s Word and seeks to deceive us so that we might not know ourselves as we are or know God as He has revealed Himself. God sees our true nature, and in Christ He reveals His nature, which is both just and gracious to us. For those who confess their sins, God is always faithful to His promise to forgive. This is just and right because of His Son, who has paid the price for our sins. • Heavenly Father, give us hearts to believe and to know ourselves as we are. Then we may truthfully confess our sins, trusting in Your forgiveness and mercy. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10944). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Peter 3. Our Lord’s patience is essential to our salvation in the sense that He is giving us time to repent. Do we use the time allotted to us to take sin and salvation seriously, or do we neglect our worship and prayers and our Lord’s gracious call to repent? Make daily repentance part of your life. The patient Lord is ever working through Word and Sacrament to restore fallen sinners and to strengthen them in the stability of their salvation. • O Lord, come to me, and strengthen me through Your Word, that I may grow in Your grace and knowledge and proclaim Your glory forever. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10907). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Peter 2. Our Lord says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33; cf 2Pt 2:9). The devil, the world, and our own sinful nature are ever seeking to overcome us through our tribulations. The way of escape is through His Holy Word and Sacraments, for this is how He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith. • O Lord, having overcome the world, come to me and give me the strength to endure patiently the trials that afflict me and finally to overcome them and win the victory. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10901). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we start reading another letter of Peter, reading chapter 1 of “Second Peter.” Peter had seen a glimpse of our Lord’s glory on the holy Mount of Transfiguration. We have the prophetic Word of God, on which the faith and hope of our Lord’s triumphant return in glory depends. By God’s grace in Christ, we are now “a holy nation, a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). • O Lord, thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Help us to proclaim Your excellencies through word and deed. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10895). (Function). Kindle Edition.