DAY 61
DATE: 3/2/13
Good morning! My name is Jamie Srnec and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of II Peter chapters 1 and 2.
KEY VERSES:
II Peter 1:5-7
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
REFLECTIONS:
Peter has given us a great model for Christian living in this first chapter of his second book. He reminds us that God has given us everything we could possibly need to live a life that is honoring and glorifying to Him through His Word. The promises we have been given allow us to share in all that God has laid aside for those who believe in His Son, as well as aiding us in turning away from the corrupt practices of the world. (v. 4)
He then explains that when we are striving to act out the faith supplements Peter has outlined (v. 5-7), our usefulness and productivity as a Christian will increase. (v. 8)
Living by faith and practicing each of these attributes is not easy. Peter tells us to work hard to show that we are indeed members of His flock. When we on a daily basis are working hard to live in this manner it will be that much harder to fall away. Striving to walk in a manner that is worthy of Christ gives us greater treasures where they matter: in Heaven, with our Savior. This type of living will also work to provide the right example for the Christian walk to other believers, as well as unbelievers that we come into contact with. It is also important to remember that works alone are not enough, as we are told in Ephesians 2 that only God’s grace saves us, and these actions are to bring honor to His name and to show our love for Him to the world.
When I read chapter 2 it really brought the point home for me that we need to stay in the Word and not be influenced by the teachings that false prophets present. When we are grounded in Him and His Word we can, through Him, guard against being swayed by these false teachers who speak all types of evil.
APPLICATION:
When we become discouraged by life and work and frustrated for whatever reason, this particular passage of God’s Word provides an absolutely amazing encouragement. These words can lift us up and push us to run with a greater purpose the race that all Christians have been called to. When we are constantly in the Word and absorbing all that is there to be learned, it becomes second nature to grow closer to Him, and it becomes easier and easier to walk in faith and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As I have prayed over this Scripture I have come to appreciate the reminder to show that I am a Christian by my actions. 2 Peter 1:10 gives me the courage to stand strong to show forth a godly example before the people that I come across who are unsaved.
Thank you for being a part of the 66-Day Challenge. Thanks for reading and you have a blessed day.
In Christ,
Jamie
WHEN YOU GOT SAVED: Age 3
FAVORITE BIBLE BOOK: Philippians
FAMILY: Parents – Mike and Judy
OCCUPATION: Registered Nurse
MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT AT VBC: Nursery
DREAM VACATION: A trip across Israel, as well as many European towns/countries
HOBBIES: Reading, learning Hebrew with my mom, and fitness