DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MARCH 14, 2026
READ: 2 Peter 3 (Focus vs. 8-13)
MEMORY VERSE
“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8
BACKGROUND
Until 1967, units of time were scientifically measured by astronomical patterns: the spin of the earth and its revolution around the sun. But over the centuries, a problem emerged.
The earth is actually slowing down in its orbit. Scientists discovered that the unit of the second is longer than it used to be. Gradual though this is, since the days of Christ, the world has “lost” a full three hours of measured time.
Of course, God created the ways we measure time: the astronomy of orbits and revolutions. Scientists’ calculations may be squishier than we’d thought, but we can stand firmly in Peter’s words: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years” (2 Peter 3:8).
He is arguing against doubters who complained that Jesus hadn’t returned yet: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness” (v. 9). God works in His own time for His own purposes.
There’s more! God’s “timing” is born out of His love: “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (v. 9). Jesus will return, and God wants everyone to have the opportunity to come to Him. This is an expression of His love. Meanwhile, we’re to “make every effort to be found spotless” (v. 14).
Time, God, and love are linked together: In these last days God’s love is never squishy. It’s the one sure thing.
Kenneth Pettersen
INSIGHT
The apostle Peter, like other New Testament writers, was a student of the Old Testament. The book of 1 Peter contains several Old Testament quotes (see 1 Peter 1:24-25 [Isaiah 40:6-8]; 1 Peter 2:6-8 [Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14]; 1 Peter 3:10-12 [Psalm 34:12-16]; 1 Peter 4:18 [Proverbs 11:31]).
And even though his second letter doesn’t quote from specific Old Testament passages, 2 Peter 3:8 is a clear allusion to Psalm 90:4: “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.”
This psalm contains numerous references to time, contrasting God’s eternal nature with man’s transience. Because God loves us, we can rest securely, knowing that our times are in His hands and His timing is perfect.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
How does thinking of God and time affect your own life? How might you live differently in light of this?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“God’s “timing” is born out of His love: Time, God, and love are linked together… God loves us, we can rest securely, knowing that our times are in His hands and His timing is perfect.”
PR’s TAKE
Man controls the Clock. God controls Man’s destiny. Pr
Our God’s timing is perfect because He is PERFECT. Pr.
PRAYER
“Dear God, it’s mind-boggling when we try to figure out the concept of time, but please help me embrace that my times are in Your hands.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST”
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:
Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood
Or Earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in your sight
Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op’ning day.
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last
And our eternal home.
