2 Peter 1:3-9 ESV - 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 his own glory and excellence, 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, 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 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.
We have the same Holy Spirit; we have the same access to the Father; we also have the same call to discipline (or train) ourselves for godliness
1Timothy 4:7-8 ESV – 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Our faith is not some “feeling” like pretty music and birds chirping in our heads — this faith has character
virtue aretē — moral goodness;
knowledge gnōsis –moral wisdom such as seen in right living;
self-control egkrateia — the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites;
steadfastness hypomonē — in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings;
godliness eusebeia — piety toward God;
brotherly affection philadelphia — in the N. T. “the love which Christians cherish for each other as ‘brethren'”;
love agapē — affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love.
O Lord, this faith is impossible in my own strength. Thank You for giving me a new heart through Jesus, and for giving the Holy Spirit so I can live and grow in these qualities of faith.
Growing in these qualities of faith is how we can be fruitful and effective in knowing (and serving) Jesus. If I am feeling useless; insecure and doubtful of God’s love and care for me — Peter says go back to these qualities of faith. Am I trying to live in my own strength?
Pray for the Persecuted Church–OpenDoorsUSA
Day 4: Ask God to bring peace and stability throughout
the country of Ethiopia.
Daily Wisdom Psalm 135-139 Proverbs 29
Plea for Grace 