It’s so easy to get excited by the plans we make for the summer…for our vacations, our careers, our schooling, our grandkids. Do we take the time to make plans for our future with God? Do you ever allow yourself to wonder if what the Bible says is true?

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. 2 Peter 3:3-7.

We’ve all seen on TV the raging fires that are increasing in frequency in the US and in other parts of the world; many have felt that heat and seen that destruction first hand. It’s not that hard to imagine fire destroying. 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. 2 Peter 3:10.

Do you ever wonder why the Bible says that? As I read that this morning and tried to put myself in that time and place…imagine the heavens disappearing with a roar…elements destroyed by fire…I couldn’t help but think about King David who wanted so badly to build a house for God…his plan. God wouldn’t let him because he had been a mighty warrior and so much blood had been shed…and remember David was a man after God’s own heart, dearly loved. God chose David’s son Solomon to build the Temple, so David changed his plan and did all he could to prepare that for his son. He trusted God and changed his plan. If God wouldn’t let David build a Temple for Him because of all the bloodshed, how could we expect this earth with all the blood shed be a place Jesus would not cleanse at His coming?

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. 2 Peter 3:11-13.

Peter warned the people of his day and it was not long after this letter that Peter was killed by Nero. His encouragement to them stands today…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 3:17-18.

How do we grow in grace and knowledge? For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations, Isaiah 61:11. The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with an unfailing kindness, Jeremiah 31:3. The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this, Jeremiah 30:24.

We all make plans. Can we plan to make time for God? God has a plan too; something tells me His plan will be carried out. His plan is for our salvation and He will make the way for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.