Advice

      “How many times have I told you not to do that?” That has to be one of the most repeated phrases that I heard as a child. There were times when I would do something and my Mother would repeat those words over and over. I might well say, “How many times have I heard that phrase?” Well, it was necessary because of some repeated violation that had been set forth from the rules of the family. It could be in reference to socks, chores, feeding the dog, getting up on time, doing my homework or practicing the clarinet. My Mother probably felt like a tape recorder giving the same things over and over. Peter said in Second Peter 1:12, “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” Peter felt that it was necessary to repeat himself with some instructions for the readers of his second epistle. Notice the words, “…though ye know them.” They already knew the truths that he was going to tell them, yet he did so anyway. It is as if he was saying, “How many times have I repeated these things to you?” Still, we seem to need to be reminded of them anyway. Why? Because we get caught up in the affairs of life, start going our own way and forget the instructions that God has given to us. It is like we are shutting the barn door after the horse got out. We have heard that before. We know the truth, we know the results and when something happens, we know what we should have done to prevent it. Yet, we forgot, once more to do what God’s Word said we should do. So, as you begin to go out into the world today, take heed to what God’s Word has said. Be reminded that God has the answer, that He is in control, that He is not being surprised by the conditions in the world or even in your own life. Keep the armor on and be ready for the spiritual battle that looms ahead. Praise God today for the equipping of the saints.