December 11
2 Peter 1
God has given us the capacity to grow in Christian character and to develop spiritual fruit.
INSIGHT
We are children of God, subjects of the King of creation. God calls us to act accordingly, but often we do not. Our actions tend to result from our self-image which is flawed and enamored with the values and attitudes of this world. Peter writes that we have become: partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world . . . " He then adds: ". . . for this very reason," pursue holiness (vv. 4-5). Those who do not pursue holiness are shortsighted and have forgotten that they have been purged of their old sin natures.
PRAYER
We have become partakers of the divine nature through Christ, so praise Him who made it possible:
O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. . . .
I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth (Psalm 108:1, 3-5).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
My soul also is greatly troubled;
But You, O Lord - how long? (Psalm 6:1-3).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 6:11)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
faithfulness with your talents,
state and local leaders,
your activities for the day.
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever (Psalm 23:6).
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