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New Testament Commentaries:

• Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament (13 Vols.)
• Teach the Text: New Testament (9 Vols.)
• Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible New Testament (14 Vols.)

Old Testament Commentaries:

• UBS Handbooks for Old Testament (21 Vols.)
• ESV Expository Commentary: Old Testament (6 Vols.)
• Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible Old Testament (30 Vols.)

Additional Resources:

• Enhanced Notes
• Teacher’s Bible Commentary
• Eerdman’s Exegetical Dictionary of the NT (3 Vols.)

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www.bible.com/reading-plans/2129/day/1

Joy from above is not a yellow perpetual smiley-face. It’s a deep-seated something that permeates one’s entire life, regardless of circumstances. At the core, joy reflects our faith and confidence in a loving heavenly Father. It stems from a knowledge that a Master plan is in place, even when we can’t see the whole thing. Rejoice today!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I declare today my joy is in you. I’m facing things I don’t completely understand. I have my doubts and admit my concerns. But I also know that all things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purposes. Today I choose joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joy from above is not a yellow perpetual smiley-face. It’s a deep-seated something that permeates one’s entire life, regardless of circumstances. At the core, joy reflects our faith and confidence in a loving heavenly Father. It stems from a knowledge that a Master plan is in place, even when we can’t see the whole thing. Rejoice today!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I declare today my joy is in you. I’m facing things I don’t completely understand. I have my doubts and admit my concerns. But I also know that all things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purposes. Today I choose joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

www.bible.com/reading-plans/2129/day/1

If you would like to start reading through the Bible with me, you can find this Bible Study Reading plan in the YouVersion Bible App. Let’s see what God has to speak to us that will change our lives for the betterment of leading others to Him. God bless.

www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/42197

If you would like to read the Bible in a year, click on the link above. You can find this Bible Reading plan in the YouVersion Bible app.

We all long for a sense of community where we are truly seen and accepted. A place where we can share our joys and sorrows, where we can grow without feeling ashamed or judged, and where we can make mistakes and learn from them. Fraternal affection is what creates this kind of community, teaching us to value, appreciate, and enjoy one another. It allows us to start over with renewed hope when we stumble. Love unites us and fosters compassion as we support each other in our journey towards improvement. 

The term “agape” refers to the unconditional love that flows from the very essence of God. This love seeks to bless everything that it comes into contact with, and it is characterized by invincible goodness. Agape encompasses not only our heart, but also our mind and will, and it has the power to bind everything together. Even though Peter’s appeal to our selfish nature makes it impossible for us to love like God, we can still allow ourselves to be loved by Him and reflect that love to others. 

Peter in the Gospels starts as an easily enthusiastic young man. As time goes on, he transforms, accepting his mistakes and developing self-compassion through devotion to God. He strives to cultivate the virtues that help him get up and keep going, even when it’s hard. He refuses to abandon his calling, choosing instead to persevere and build his character by resisting short-term desires, and waiting patiently for the process that God has for him. In short, he learns to embrace hope. 

Are you feeling a strong desire to embark on a new journey in your life? Let’s pray: 

Father, please help me align my deepest desires with your heart. Help me recognize the longings you have placed in my heart and allow me to see beyond my current circumstances. I don’t just want to imagine a goal and ask for your help, but rather to conceive it with you and work alongside you to make it a reality. 

Please help me to focus on your presence and company on this journey, rather than solely on success or failure. May we together bear fruit that lasts from the intimacy we share. Amen.

To stay on track, we must have self-control. It’s not about suppressing our passions, but about allowing reason to guide them. Self-control helps us resist temptation, build good habits, and live better. 

The original word used for patience – “hypomonē” – refers to firmness and resistance. It does not mean opposing something, but rather being willing to pay the price to support it. Imagine climbing a ladder that leans against a solid wall. Self-control helps you climb up, but the firmness and strength of the wall is needed to withstand the weight and pressure so that you don’t fall. Peter shows us one aspect of discipline, which is self-control and patience. Just like fruits, achieving positive outcomes in life also takes time and requires discipline. In the past, I struggled because I did not know how to honor this process. 

In this passage, the word devotion is repeated in another form as “eusebia,” which means sincere piety. This sincere quest to be closer to God helps us discover truths that transform us. Devotion allows us to enjoy God’s company and run to Him when we fail or thank Him when we overcome. Success or failure is irrelevant; what matters is our longing to be close to Him. Living a life of godliness helps us develop our character for eternity and teaches us how to cherish everlasting relationships. These relationships produce meaningful outcomes that hold significance beyond our time on Earth. I refer to God’s presence in our journey as “Grace.” What guides our decisions? How do we handle negative emotions, such as guilt, fear, shame or pressure? Do we find solace in our faith in God? 

Let us pray: “God, help me to fall more in love with You. You know me better than I know myself, and You love me more than I could love You. Help me to get to know You better so that I can make wise decisions. Allow me to move forward with a heart full of expectation and the right attitude, confident in what You will do in the process.” Amen.

Proverbs 26:7 teaches that wise words from a fool are as valuable as the legs of a paralytic, emphasizing the importance of commitment to our words. Faith is certainty leading to another reality; good conduct means persistence after every fall. Virtue is acquired by repeating good acts. Doing good is important despite multiple failures. 

Peter emphasizes that good conduct alone is not enough; it must be complemented with understanding. Knowledge that is anchored in God always produces life and integrity, as opposed to knowledge that discriminates, dissects, or marginalizes people. The apostles of Jesus spoke of piety, which is the opposite of empty knowledge that leads to discrimination. While one can go to a laboratory, dissect a frog, and accurately describe its parts with systematic knowledge, the frog will still be lifeless. In contrast, biblical practical knowledge leads to communion with God, embraces you, guides you to connect with his creation and with others, and helps you grow to find the fullness that God has planned for your life. Therefore, it is not knowledge without a relationship; it gives meaning to your virtue. 

The word “add” has its roots in the idea of nourishing. In fact, it appears in Colossians 2:19, where it talks about nurturing our stubborn and passionate desire to draw closer to God with knowledge. This is similar to how a musician, with persistent practice and desire, can become a virtuoso, producing beautiful music that transforms reality and inspires others. The more we learn about God, the more we become excited about the ways in which we can serve and inspire others. 

Utilize your God-given potential and superpowers to the fullest. Take time to seek and reflect upon the beauty of God that brings meaning to your existence. Ask yourself who you are meant to serve and what cause you will dedicate yourself to. Rather than seeking God’s will for our life, we should focus on discovering our life’s purpose within His will. 

Let us pray: “God, thank you for allowing me to know you in both my defeats and victories. Please give me the strength to intentionally live by your side. May my passions not be in vain. Show me those for whom I can make a difference in their lives.” Amen.

bible.com/bible/1/jas.1.22-24.KJV