After a really nice week of sunshine and warm temperatures, we are back to rain showers and cooler weather. The clematis is blooming at the back porch and the peony bushes on the south side of the house are heavy with blooms. Olin’s corn is up – along with a few weeds! Spring has sprung (even if it doesn’t feel like it).
My morning devotional reminded me that my decision to follow Christ is not a “one and done” but it is a journey, an adventure, that continues everyday – even when I don’t “feel” it. The reading from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, tells me that I cannot do what God does and God will not do what I can. God offers salvation but I must make the decision to accept His gift. I must make the choice. My faith journey is a journey of choices. I can go my own way or I can follow where the Holy Spirit leads me. I must study His Word to know how to live out my faith. The scripture passage I read this morning from II Peter 1:3-11 gives such instructions.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these 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.
For this very reason, 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. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. God will not endow me with these qualities but when I choose them God works through me. Each time I choose to obey, that action of obedience draws me closer.
Lord, thank You for the reminder that I have the responsibility to work out my own salvation. Obedience to Your leading in all things is a habit that I am yet cultivating. I don’t want to be a lazy Christian. Keep prodding me – poking me – making me uncomfortable. I trust that You will never give up on me for I have Your promise. You are patient but steadfast. You will not allow me to give anything but my best.
I am willing to be made willing.
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