* where we are
* where we want to be
* how we are going to get there
God has an uncanny way of directing me to scripture that is relevant to the situation at hand, and this week I found myself in 2 Peter 1: 3-10.
His divine power has given us everything we need…
When you start the day knowing you are equipped, it makes a world of difference. It encourages you to get past the whining, the excuses and the wallowing-in-self-pity that is so easy (and comfortable). It encourages action.
Then Peter continues with a roadmap, if you will:
1. It starts with faith.
2. Add to your faith, goodness.
3. And to goodness, knowledge.
4. And to knowledge, self-control.
5. And to self-control, perseverance.
6. And to perseverance, godliness.
7. And to godliness, brotherly kindness.
8. And to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…
If you’ve been following this blog over the past few weeks, you’ll know that I’ve been finding myself increasingly ineffective and unproductive. And I think, like a lot of Christians, I’ve been wallowing in #2 -- and feeling good about it.
But perhaps in making an extra effort to spend time with Jesus during Lent, time sitting before God, he has opened my eyes a bit. I admit that the knowledge (#3) that settling on #2 (goodness) was, well, not good enough, left me in an uncomfortable place. And I withdrew.
But yes, I am back. Armed with a roadmap: where I am, where I want to be, how I am going to get there. (After all he has given me everything I need)
Self-control (#4) is definitely not my strong suit (I kinda got in over my head this week) but with perseverance (#5), I know that time is on my side.
Therefore my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
7 comments:
this blog is a welcome surprise.what i read was such a change from others. i mean i loved it and i am not the only one. theres some-one like me.
to read of your walk
helps me to think about my walk
what you wrote today went into one of the many edits that happened on my post today.
it will also go into my thoughts and my heart for more processing.
you will be in my prayers as you are on my mind or heart no matter what your walk may bring.
Enjoying your journey Ed.. you are so open and transparent about where you are at. One of the benefits of abiding in Christ is that we become strong on the inside.. this helps us with the self control stuff.. persevering has it's benefits :)
jyo - nice to meet you.
nancy -- i think its cool that you come back to update and rework your blog... i guess your posts, just like us, are a work in progress.
k-bob -- yes, persevering does have its benefits, thanks for the encouragement.
glad you posted these thoughts. see you in the kingdom next week (magic that is)...?
alas tracie, eileen is taking the kids solo -- i'll be working away in Trumbull... i'm sure brian and emily will be texting each other at some point! have a great trip.
keep your eyes and heart on the Love of God and it will be God's Love that you see and do in all that you see and do.
:-)
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