A Brief Encouragement From 2nd Peter

This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from 2 Peter 1:2-8 NIV:

[2] "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

[3] "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

[5] "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] 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."

I am grateful for such inspiration and timely words. 

First, we are praying grace and peace for all during these difficult days!  Note that they are truly found in the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life!  He is inviting us to participate in the divine nature, that is the Body of Christ alive and present, the Kingdom of God in our very midst!  Now we have been given the opportunity to separate ourselves from much of the world, to bring God's presence into our lives in our homes! 

Third, we have before us the opportunity to practice faith, goodness, increase our knowledge, self-control, perseverance and ultimately godliness!  If we have these qualities, they will keep us from being unproductive and ineffective! 

As we look at our changed world, let us ask the Lord, how we can change ourselves to be more like Him!  Let us embrace the opportunity to love one another, to connect to one another, to call and encourage those who are most important in our lives.  Let us practice an awareness of His presence!  Let us embrace time in the Word, and in worship in our own homes. 

Let us choose to not just survive, but prosper in our lives in those areas that are most important, our relationships, our faith, and our personal character.

Blessings and peace to you all.