Today we read 1 John 2. True Christians abide in Christ through faith in Him and all His teachings. There are many antichrists, false teachers who infiltrate the Church and attempt to draw Christians away from the true Christ. There is great danger for us if we do not know the Scriptures well and are unable to recognize false teachers. In God’s Word and by His Spirit, we have everything we need to tell the difference between the truth and a lie. We already have all that we need to be certain of our eternal life. • Heavenly Father, keep us steadfast in Your Word, and ever guard us from the deceptions of the many antichrists who seek to lead us away from Your Son, who is forever true God and true man. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10952). (Function). Kindle Edition.

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.