Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Samuel 17-18; 2 Peter 1
Devotional Thought:
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (vs. 4) God has given to us the word of God that provides “all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” God has commanded us to walk in the Spirit, to be controlled by the Spirit, to not quench the Spirit, and to never grieve the Spirit. The way we accomplish this is by giving careful attention to the word of God. It is filled with exceeding great and precious promises. After listing very important spiritual steps toward maturity as a Christian, the Bible gives a promise. “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vs. 8) The Bible is clear that if we will add to our faith in Christ some very specific steps of maturity, we will grow and be fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. The choice to pursue these is the decision of every individual Christian, but the inward maturity in these areas is the work of the Holy Spirit. However, those Christians who refuse to embrace these needed steps of maturity will lack eternal perspective having forgotten the incredible price of his sin. We must add to our faith in Christ a decision to pursue those things that are right. We must desire to know God and the power of His resurrection. We must exercise the controlling of our desires, especially those sinful desires of our flesh. We must exercise patience as we grow in grace and as we serve others who are growing in grace, as well as, choose to be Christ-like in our disposition. The last two are rooted in a life that is completely controlled by the Spirit of God as we portray kindness and the ultimate maturity of agape love. It is so easy for us to limp along in our Christian lives as we merely do life and make ends meet. We have been called to so much more in Christ. May we endeavor to pursue maturing each day in our walk with Christ.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to pursue these important steps to maturity. Please help me to desire to know you more intimately each day.
• Lord, thank you for laying out the right plan for spiritual growth so clearly. Please help me to embrace it with enthusiasm and energy.