Author: Scott Lane

Re: Verse reading–2 Peter 1:1-12 (day five)
It’s a promise that I have had the privilege of sharing with many teenagers over the years. It’s a promise that prompts hope. It’s a promise that stirs courage. It’s a promise that encourages vision.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
This semester 2 different teenagers on 2 different campuses in our city have had the vision/burden to start Bible Studies on their campus. May sound easy enough, but this requires courage (talking to administrators). It also demands hope. (Will students come? Will a faculty member sponsor and provide a classroom or meeting space?). It evidences vision. (Christian students growing in their faith. Lost students hearing the Gospel and being around a community of believers.) So, as you pray, study the scriptures, and worship (privately and corporately) are there ways God is leading you that spark courage, hope, and vision? Remember, as you move forward, He Has Promised!!

RE Verse reading–1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:1-11 (day five)
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

God inspires Peter to write about humility. Really??!! Peter?? He could apply to be the poster child for arrogance, impulsiveness, and stubbornness. Yet God does a work in his heart and life through Jesus that changes Peter forever. And 30 years later, Peter is willing to share the truth he has learned about humility. Do you suppose it is the alarm clock Peter hears most mornings (rooster crowing) that causes him frequently to remember and rejoice. Peter remembers how easily sin and pride can hijack the human heart. And he rejoices that God gives grace that restores and strengthens the human heart. Isn’t that how God works so many times in so many hearts? Really!!

Re: Verse reading–1 Peter 2:11-3:9 (Day Five)
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Ever marvel at the beauty of the moon? (Its color, its texture, its shape) Ever wonder how helpless and un-noticed it would be if not for the sun? In an interesting way the moon “glorifies” the sun. Any notice of it from our vantage point is because of the sun. The moon does nothing to create its own light or energy for that matter. The only way the moon can be seen or recognized is when its “position” to the sun is such where we can see the effects of the sun on the moon. In verse 12 we are told that our lives can glorify God. How? I think it’s the same as with the moon. We must live our lives in obedience, sacrifice, and purity (in right “position” or relation to God). To be certain, it is a battle, struggle, and intense (see verse 11). It demands constant attention and determination. But the end result is a life that is beautiful and observable. To those that are watching, it will point them to a strong, holy, and loving God.

Re: Verse reading–1 Peter 1:1-12 (day five)
I Peter 1:1-2 “To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces …, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood”
Because of my ministry with teenagers, I know the answer to this question is HUGE. Identity formation is the major task of adolescence. Getting this right is crucial to SO many aspects of our lives. Mark Driscoll writes, “How you answer that question has far-reaching, belief-revealing, life-shaping, and identity-forming implications.” I believe we wrestle with this question and answer it everyday, even as adults. It seems fitting that Peter starts this letter by addressing the question. The answer (that ultimately and completely brings power and joy to the human heart) to “Who am I?” is found in the One who says He is the “I Am”.

Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 12:18-13:25 (day five)
Verse 25 “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.” The pattern of the Lord is that He communicates His promises, character, and purpose through our eyes and ears and into our hearts (Isaiah 6:9-10). It’s a big deal. “That which Jesus speaks concerns your soul, concerns your everlasting destiny; it is God’s wisdom; God’s way of mercy; God’s plan by which you may be saved.”- C.H. Spurgeon. I/we must “see to it” that we can hear. I/we must continually ask God to help us be: still, teachable, humble, and obedient. Moment by moment how do we answer God’s question of “Can You Hear Me Now?”

Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-40; 12:1-3, 12-17 (day five)

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us”. When I read the scripture, I am frequently reminded about my own weakness and inability to navigate life without the risk and ample opportunities of sin, burdens, and selfishness to take their toll on me. Any reminder that would prompt me to re-direct my attention and recalibrate my priorities is SO helpful.  So, I pause to pray.  I ask God to examine my heart and mind (for burdens and sin vs.1).  I ask God to help me have a disciplined and determined focus on The One who is writing my story (vs. 2); I ask God for energy and strength to press back against any discouragement or desire to slow down or quit on “my race” (vs. 3).

Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 10:19-39 (day five)
Verse 24 “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds”. “The bible knows nothing of solitary religion” – John Wesley One of the many insights I have gained from reading Hebrews in this series has been the writer’s frequent uses of the plural forms of pronouns. This letter is chocked full of prompts for community, accountability, and unity. In verse 24 “we” are instructed to take initiative and encourage healthy action and attitudes in the hearts and lives of our church family. Pretty bold!! What would motivate us to interact that way? Romans 2:2 claims God’s motive for challenge and conviction is kindness. What if we had that type of love and affection for our church family? I think others would take note. John 13:35

Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 10:19-39 (day 5)
Hebrews 5:11 – We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.

I had my own moments of refusing to learn and grow this week thanks to Apple (new iPhone software).  Progress, opportunity, and effectiveness often require tenacity, patience, and perspective.  Just when I’m ready to give up and chunk my phone, I read a review or hear a comment about the wonderful new and productive things iPhones can now do.  This is not a commercial for cellular products but rather a testimony of the tendency of human nature to resist and reject progress and change.  When I read on in this passage I see the potential: discerning good and evil (5:14), assurance of hope till the end (6:11) and an inheritance of God’s promises (6:12).  So, I thank God for the reminder of my own tendencies and ask for grace and strength to listen, learn, and grow.

Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day five)
Verse 16 – Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, Let me make sure I read this correctly. We are encouraged to approach the Holy Throne of the Living God with “confidence”? How is that possible? Is there ever a time we could approach the throne and not have a need or issue of some sort? So the big question is… Where does confidence come from?

It comes from a heart that believes seated on the throne is someone much wiser and much bigger (full of infinite resources). Confidence comes from a heart convinced that seated on the Throne is someone who desires to engage and guide. Confidence comes from the promises at the end of verse 16: “discovery and take-a-way” (find grace, receive mercy). It comes from the testimony of others’ experiences with the same Good God (Psalm 118, 1 Timothy 1:12-16).