Good morning! Sometimes it is hard to see things that are right in front of us. For example, I was searching for my keys only to look down to see them in my hand. I don’t understand what took my brain so long to point out that my hand was holding the keys, or for my eyes to tell my brain – hey the keys are in your hand. Nevertheless, the keys were in my possession, not lost or misplaced, I simply didn’t remember where they were. Today in 2 Peter chapter 1 we will read about the qualities we have and how we can strengthen them (not overlook them). Enjoy today’s reading.

“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.

⁸ The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

¹⁰ So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. ¹¹ Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-11 NLT

Sisters and brothers, God is eager to use us. Don’t simply stop at being saved by grace, but let us mature in our faith and learn more from the word of God/the Bible. This will help us to keep our eyes open and alert/aware of the tactics of the enemy, which at times are right in front of us but we are unaware. This way our firm foundation of faith in Christ Jesus will not easily be forgotten.

The author warns us against being complacent, which results in being blind or shortsighted by things that don’t please God or pull us away from living a life in Christ (e.g., temptation, etc). Sometimes we get so comfortable with the idea of being a Christian that we let our guard down and before we know it we are back into our old routines and further separated from the close relationship we once had with the Lord. Not because the Lord moved or left, but because we moved.

Sisters and brothers, we weren’t designed to walk this Christian journey alone. It is vital that we surround ourselves with mature Christians who will be our support system and encourage us in the way you should go.

Spend time in the word allowing our faith in Christ Jesus, to add moral excellence – ways to glorify God through our actions. As we grow in moral excellence we will have the knowledge and desire to be self-controlled. And as we learn those important behaviors and techniques we will learn to be patient and endure, and learn to love others as Christ loves the church.

Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy on our lives. Lord, we don’t deserve the many hands of grace and mercy that you have extended to us, but we thank you. Lord, forgive us for falling short, forgive us for giving into temptations, and forgive us for being complacent. Lord, we need you. Lord, help us to fight temptation and laziness. Lord, we desire to follow you with our whole heart. Lord, despite the enemies attacks we want to be found in you being self-controlled, firm in our faith, and sharing your love with the world. Lord, teach us your ways, ignite passion and fire in our hearts for your word and your people. Lord, help us to reach those who do not know you. Help us to live a life that is a reflection of Christ in us. Be with us as we go through today. Strengthen my sisters and brothers who are going through grief or are struggling as a widow, divorcee, single person or married. Lord, you know the needs of your people financially, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically guide us in your mighty ways. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep praying! Keep trusting! Keep pursuing the Lord!

Our next event is: Saturday, July 27, 2019

We will have guest speakers and singers. Lunch is included. Space is limited. The deadline to purchase your ticket is Sunday, July 7, 2019. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Buy your ticket online at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-long-beach-womens-retreat-rise-up-daughters-tickets-59622249754

Event location: Reef Restaurant, 800 Harbor Scenic Dr, Long Beach, Ca

Event time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Additionally, Mary E. White Ministries is asking for volunteers and coordinators. If you are interested, please send Mary an email at contactus@maryewhiteministries.com.

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to:

prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com 

Photo credit: Erica Rodriguez

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

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