Friday, September 3, 2021 The unknown author writes that God knows His own and values their service on His behalf. Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name . . . (NASB) In the world there are those who come close
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
The apostle Peter reviews the basic characteristics of a Christ-follower.
II Peter 1:5-6 . . . applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, (NASB)
Peter is writing to remind some Christians of a few things they had forgotten – some important things. It’s a little like the great NFL coach Vince Lombardi, who, when frustrated with the way his Packers were playing, said we’ve got to get back to the fundamentals. So, he gathered the players together and said, “This is a football!” Peter says, let’s begin with your faith – where the change for the better began. As a Christ-follower, you’ve been forgiven of sins, freed from their power to enslave you, and you have all the heavenly power you need, daily, to do what God wants you to do.
Now . . . Peter says, move on from the basics, and each day add to your faith, virtue. Virtue is goodness. But it’s more than that – it’s excellence. Seek to be all you can be as a Christ-follower. Be the best man or woman of God you can be – by being like Christ Himself! Strive for excellence. Next, add to your goodness, knowledge. Not just knowledge for knowledge’s sake – like a professional student but applied knowledge. Knowledge that changes the way you live! Finally, add to your knowledge – self-control. It means to control your desires and emotions, instead of being controlled by them.
Thursday, September 2, 2021 Moses records a priestly blessing that reflects the loving heart of God. Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. (NASB) It’s such a freeing
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 The apostle Paul writes to commend Christ-followers for their generosity. II Corinthians 9:13 . . . they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution . . . (NASB) The New Testament church of Corinth (modern day Greece)
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 The apostle Paul gives thanks for the spiritual growth in one group of Christ-followers. II Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever
Monday, August 30, 2021 The Psalmist calls us to give thanks for God’s eternal love. Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness is everlasting. (NASB) Thanksgiving is a lost art . . . don’t you think? Regularly the sun rises and sets; our hearts beat and our lungs take in oxygen;
