My Dad loved baseball. He loved to play as a kid and when he was older would play on city teams any chance he could. He even went to try out with the St. Louis Cardinals in an open try out locally. He used to tell me a story about a kid who was pitching in the grammar school league he was in. Hardly anyone could ever get a hit off this kid. He was huge and he was strong…and he was still in grammar school at the age of 15! How did that happen? Well in those days, you did not advance to the next grade until you could pass all your subjects. This kid was slow in learning his schoolwork…but boy could he throw that baseball! It wasn’t fair…but that’s what the rules were. You stayed until you passed and as long as you were in grammar school…you could play. And sometimes it made for a “no contest” kind of game. I got to thinking about that. It is the same way with God. Like that 15 year old, you aren’t going to win going up against God. Some people fight him all of their lives. But no matter who you are…you are never going to beat him. It may seem like you are getting your way and even wrecking God’s plans. Because you are still here…and God isn’t sending lightning to fry you each day. God is great…but he loves people…all people. Not just church people, but everyone. And he can do anything to us if he wanted…but he is patient with us and with all journeying on this planet. Why? Throw the fastball and put them out one at a time! The reason he doesn’t do that is that he not only loves…he is the embodiment of love. And one of the characteristics of love is patience. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance…a new way of thinking and living through a relationship with this Jesus of the Bible.. So never confuse God’s love and patience with the inability to act and to bring his justice through judgement. You can’t beat God. The good news is that he is bending over backwards to convince you to come and taste his love and peace and joy and happiness that he alone can provide. You can’t beat him…but you are invited to join him…forever! Here’s our Bible verse for today…
2 Peter 3:9-11 BSB The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. (10) But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. (11) Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
2 Peter 3:9-11 BSB The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. (10) But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. (11) Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Posted in Daily Devotionals