Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 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. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 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 everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:1-18

~~~~~

“Dear Friends”
By Jennifer Kane

I write in the waiting,
while the world scoffs at promise,
but the Word still stands,
unyielding as the dawn.

Do not lose heart—
for the King delays not in weakness,
but in mercy,
giving every soul another chance to turn.

What manner of people shall we be?
Holy in conduct,
gentle in love,
shining with a steadfast hope.

The heavens will one day burn with fire,
yet our hearts burn brighter still—
for we look to a new earth,
where righteousness makes its home.

So grow, my friend, grow deep in grace.
Wade further into the sea of His love.
And when we meet—
may He find us ready,
blameless, at peace,
with eyes fixed on His coming.

Amen.

~~~~~

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-18

Dear Friend,

I can hardly wait to see you soon! Until then, I wanted to write you some words of encouragement that the Lord has been pressing on my heart as I’ve been reflecting on 2 Peter 3.

Peter wrote to stir up the minds of believers—not because they had forgotten the truth, but because even the purest hearts need reminders. In the same way, I want to remind you of the hope we share. We live in what Scripture calls “the last days.” Scoffers may say that nothing changes, that Jesus’ return is a forgotten promise—but we know better. God has already shown His power in creation and judgment before, and His Word promises that He will bring history to its perfect conclusion in His time.

Sometimes it feels like His coming tarries, doesn’t it? But Peter tells us that what seems slow to us is mercy from God. Every day He waits is another chance for someone to turn to Him. His delay is not neglect—it is love. That perspective changes how we wait. Instead of frustration, we see His patience as salvation.

And while we wait, Peter asks us a searching question: “What manner of people ought you to be?” Since all that is temporary will one day pass away, our calling is to live with holy conduct and godliness. Not in fear of fire and judgment, but in anticipation of the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells.

So, my friend, let us not grow weary or distracted by the scoffers of this world. Instead, let us grow—in grace, in knowledge, and in steadfastness. Grace does not change in measure, but we can grow deeper in it, like swimming further into the vast sea of God’s love. Knowledge of Jesus is not just information—it is fellowship with Him. As we abide in Christ, we are kept safe from stumbling.

Until we meet in person, I pray you are found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. Remember, we don’t endure these days alone—the Spirit strengthens us, the Word steadies us, and the promise of His return gives us hope.

Let’s live as last days Christians: diligent, hopeful, holy, and full of love. To Him be the glory both now and forever!

With joy and anticipation, I’ll see you soon one day!

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, as we wait for Your coming, help us to live with steadfast hearts, holy conduct, and joyful hope. Teach us to see Your patience as mercy, to grow daily in Your grace, and to long for the new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. Keep us ready, unspotted, and at peace, so that when You appear, we may be found faithful and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

September 13 2025