Today's Verse - 2 Peter 1:5-8

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

—2 Peter 1:5-8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Wow! What a message. God wants us to be productive in our lives. He wants us to have more than just head knowledge; he wants us to put our knowledge to work in our lives and be effective and productive with it. I've got to make a genuine effort to grow in these qualities. While the Holy Spirit is doing God's work of transforming me to become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18) and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), God wants me to do my part and "make every effort" to grow in these qualities "in increasing measure." God wants these qualities to be readily seen in my life. I'm ready; how about you? Let's get after those qualities and begin today.

My Prayer...

Holy God, we are committed to "making every effort" to grow into your character. Please bless our efforts and receive them as our heartfelt expression of appreciation for your love for us, even when we were undeserving of your grace. You loved and moved to redeem us when we were "helpless," "ungodly," "sinners," and your "enemies" (Romans 5:6-10). We thank you for such loving grace and commit to being productive in our lives of faith so we can bring glory to you. We are determined to live for the praise of the glory of your grace (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14), in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Today's Verse - Romans 8:28

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Because Jesus is our LORD and Savior, God is in our lives. He is at work right now, undoing Satan's destructive messes and leading us into the relationships and places he wants us to go as his salt to season and preserve the world, and his light to shine in dark places and bring hope for a better future (Matthew 6:13-16). This is true in everything we do and everywhere we go. This is true when we think things are good and when we feel like things are horrible. The key is for us to seek his purpose, to live his will, and share his grace. If that is our goal, then we can be sure of our God, and that he is with us every step of the way, working everything out for our eternal good, no matter how things might look moment to moment.

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My Prayer...

Thank you, God, for being at work in my life. Thank you for not leaving me alone to my limited best efforts, insights, and choices. Thank you for having a plan for me and for being the assurance that I can't mess it up if I seek your will, live for your purpose, and love you. Even my mistakes can be redeemed, my sins forgiven, and my faults corrected. After all, you are my God, my Father, and my Redeeming Partner in all of life, working to make me more like you. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

Today's Verse - 2 Peter 1:4

He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

—2 Peter 1:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God made us to be like him in character and compassion. We are called to participate in the divine nature and are assured that we will be made ready to become like him when Jesus comes, and we see him as he is (1 John 3:1-2). Everything in our world is subject to corruption and decay. Even though our bodies are destined to decay, the living part of us will not because we are united with Jesus and awaiting the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18-23; Colossians 3:1-4). Our response to these "very great and precious promises" is to follow Jesus as our Savior and LORD, wholeheartedly.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, my Everlasting Fortress, thank you for giving me your great and precious promises. I long to know you more fully, and to see your face one day in glory. Please protect me and my heart from corruption as I wait in eager expectation of that day. In all love and appreciation, I pray this in the name of Jesus, the One who made me yours. Amen.