Scripture: I'm fascinated by the statements of Jesus in John 17:16-18. He says, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him."

Observation: Normally we think of scripture being a key to understanding God's will, and it certainly works that way sometimes. But according to Jesus, a decision of the will is a prerequisite to understanding scripture. Vs. 17 describes a person who makes a decision to be totally committed to the will of God, and then, they have assurance that what Jesus is saying is from God. Our will is the critical aspect of true wisdom and an understanding of its source. Solomon had all the wisdom in the world, but he didn't submit himself to his own wisdom. His will remained rebellious and it got him into a lot of trouble.

Application: I must read the Scriptures with a submitted heart. God did not give us His word to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. He offered us great and precious promises that we must have the courage and will to claim through faith. Without a submitted will, we are destined to walk in fear and apathy. God, through the Holy Spirit, is prompting us again today to surrender our will, our pride, our rebellion and read the scripture with a broken and contrite heart. Only then, will we have the humility we need to serve for His glory not our own.

Prayer: Lord, forgive my arrogant pride. Forgive me for thinking I know better than you sometimes. Forgive me for thinking my plan for my life is better than yours. Forgive me for being distracted, chasing the things of this world and the accolades of the flesh. I only want to please you Lord. Please make my life and offering unto you. I'll stop fighting. I'll stop pushing back. I'm done with that. Lord, I want you to know that my answer is yes. Flat out yes, no if's, no and's, no but's, just Yes. Now tell me what you want me to do. I'm ready to step out of the boat of complacency and walk on the water of impossibility.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-9 - "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Observation: It is God's will that all people be saved. That is his greatest desire. Yet someone, even though he is sovereign, he gave us the ability to violate his will. In his love he gave us freedom; freedom to choose to love him in return, and the freedom to love sin instead. Like a loving father he waits, he coaxes, his spirit calls. But at some point, sometime in the future, the heavens will be ripped open and the son of Man will return with a shout. For those who have longed for his appearing this will be a day of great joy. For those who have ignored, rebelled, or avoided God it will be a dreadful day.

Application: Vs. 14 gives us our application: So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Prayer: Lord help me to have an urgency today as I relate to people. Help me to not be so consumed with the trivial that I miss the eternal. Give me a ready heart, alert eyes, and a passion to share your love with others today. I'm ready Lord, open the door and I will walk through.