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Sharpen the Snippers 2 Peter 3:17 (NLT®)Be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.“Nip it in the bud!” This bit of instruction, popularized by that great American philosopher, Barney Fife, has its origins in horticulture. It simply means to cut off a plant’s blooms in order to keep them from maturing and flowering. Barney, of course, wants his friends to stop whatever he considers unhelpful before the behavior flowers and results in something that they would later regret. Likewise, Peter, who is writing to “stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory” (v. 1), wants us to be on guard against the ways of the wicked. He tells us that in the last days, people will mock the truth and follow their own desires (v. 3). Most importantly, he reminds us that “the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief” (v. 10). Because we are living with that day in mind, we should “make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight” (v. 14). So, when temptation presents itself, just remember: “Nip it in the bud!”THINK ABOUT ITRead 2 Peter, chapter 3, and take it personally when Peter says, “I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.”PRAYERHeavenly Father, help me remember what Your servants presented in Scripture—may it transform my life. Protect and deliver me from temptation. Let me be sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen. Blessings,Pastor Allen Jackson