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.

BIBLE VERSE – 2 Peter 1:5-11 NLT
“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.”

REFLECTION

The author warns us against being complacent,  which results in being blind or shortsighted by things that don’t please God or that 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, God is eager to use us. Do not simply stop at being saved by grace, but let’s 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.

I absolutely love verses 5b-7, Supplement your faith with:

• a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,
• and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance,
• and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection,
• and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

The older I get the more people remind me that I need to add vitamin supplements to my daily routine. Sadly, if I go too many days without my supplements my body reminds me. In the same way, as Christians if we go to long without church or reading the Bible or spending time with other Christians our life begins to remind us (e.g., we aren’t as patient or loving).

Sisters and brothers, it is essentially that we supplement our faith as the verses instruct. We must spend time in the word to allow our faith in Christ Jesus to add moral excellence (ways to glorify God through our actions of obedience). As we grow in moral excellence we will gain knowledge, become more discerning, and desire/learn 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. It’s a growth process – one step leads to the next.

The question is: Are you ready to add supplements to your faith? ____ If so, take steps of faith to rekindle your relationship with Christ.

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 we should go. Remember you are the Lord’s, you are not missed placed or lost – He knows exactly where you are. He’s calling you back to Him so that you can be a light to the world.

PRAYER
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.

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SAVE THE DATE

Next Virtual Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9am-12pm. Our theme for the event is: Choose Joy. We have our next volunteer meeting for this event on Saturday, August 14, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. Please email us if you are interested in volunteering for this virtual retreat.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER

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LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events, we have openings for volunteer positions (e.g., coordinators, event planners, etc.) and also to fill a Board position that will be available soon. Our next virtual volunteer meeting is Saturday, August 14 @ 9am (PST). Our next virtual board meeting is Friday, September 10 @ 6pm (PST). If you would like more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

PRAYER REQUEST
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Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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