In the matter of drudgery. Peter said in this passage that we have become “partakers of the divine nature” and that we should now be “giving all diligence,” concentrating on forming godly habits (2 Peter 1:4-5). We are to “add” to our lives all that character means. No one is born either naturally or supernaturally with character; it must be developed. Nor are we born with habits— we have to form godly habits on the basis of the new life God has placed within us. We are not meant to be seen as God’s perfect, bright-shining examples, but to be seen as the everyday essence of ordinary life exhibiting the miracle of His grace. Drudgery is the test of genuine character. The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. Yet, “Jesus…took a towel and…began to wash the disciples’ feet…” (John 13:3-5).We all have those times when there are no flashes of light and no apparent thrill to life, where we experience nothing but the daily routine with its common everyday tasks. The routine of life is actually God’s way of saving us between our times of great inspiration which come from Him. Don’t always expect God to give you His thrilling moments, but learn to live in those common times of the drudgery of life by the power of God.It is difficult for us to do the “adding” that Peter mentioned here. We say we do not expect God to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we do! I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I will do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ. ___________________________________________________________________

June 15 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord. Thank you for the encouragement provided by Peter when he said that everything that we need to live a life pleasing to You is given us through our intimate relationship with Jesus. I cannot add character, consistent integrity, or self-discipline through my own diligence but these traits can be added through my connection to Jesus. Once again You remind and confirm that we are bound to fail unless we are connected to the One that invites us to You.

2 Peter 1:4-9The Message (MSG) 3-4 Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God.

 And God says…” Seek first the kingdom of God…which is Jesus…acknowledge Me in all your ways, and do not rely on your own character, integrity or self-discipline, or other devices, and I will make your paths straight.  I am the vine, you are the branch, apart from Me you can do no good thing.  Concentrate on being connected to Jesus, remain curious about how We will work all your circumstances for your good, and know that even your ability to be obedient comes from Me.  Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart. “