I know what Jesus meant in His many parables about branches that do not bear fruit (see below), and I now see that I have no excuse for not making my declared faith bear evident fruit. Every spiritual blessing that I need to be productive is readily available…. I only have to decide that I want this goal to be a high priority in the middle of my busy life. And so, I pray.
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[e] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,[g] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:1-11
Thank You Father, for my precious faith through the righteousness I have in Your Son. Lord, please help to make the desire to grow in knowledge of You and Jesus my top priority, even in the middle of my busy life, so that I may grow in grace and peace (godliness); because it is only through an increased knowledge of You that I can access everything I need for a godly life. Jesus as the fulfillment of Your divine power, has given me many great and precious promises in the gospel that will help me participate in Your divine nature. As I meditate on The Word, Your Spirit renews my mind and desires and shapes my outlook to a corrupt world.
Having become a partaker in your divine nature, I do not want to be stagnant. Bless me with wisdom to add goodness and courage to my faith, so that I can be bold in my pursuit of only what pleases you. May my desire to be filled with the knowledge of You never wane. As I grow in my knowledge of You, let the grace associated with our increased intimacy lead to the ability to control my desire for the pleasures of this world. Everything You have blessed me with is good, but all should be enjoyed in moderation, lest any becomes an idol in my life.
As I develop self-control, may it help me to hold on and persevere through the inevitable challenges that You will allow me to go through as part of your designs for me. When I bear afflictions patiently always trusting in Your plans just like Jesus did, I am growing in godliness. This will help me to love and be charitable to my fellow Christians, with whom I share an inheritance and a hope for a glorious future together in your Kingdom; as well as those to whom You want me to witness to and bring into Your fold by my character and actions.
Lord, Your Word says that if I have all these qualities, and continue to increase in them, my knowledge of Christ and my designation as His follower will be bearing fruit. Thank you for opening my eyes to what I need to do to move from stagnation to productivity for Your glory. I am continually reminded that I cannot be focused on only what I see in this world now, (nearsightedness), but must live with an attitude that keeps Your coming Kingdom on my radar daily because I have been redeemed from my past.
By Your grace Lord, help me to do these things that will confirm my calling to be a part of your family, and prevent me from stumbling. You are a promise-keeping God, I know that if I do what you ask me aided by Your power, I will receive that rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your reassurance today.
Matt. 3:10; 7:9; 21:19
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Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 