Passage of the Day:
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
Reflection:
I was introduced to today’s passage as a college student at the University of Delaware. God’s promise in 2 Peter 1:3-4 gave me hope as I was struggling to alter my life from past sinful tendencies. When I couldn’t make these changes on my own, I turned to a local accountable group. Rather than settle for a lukewarm faith, I was tired of saying I am going to change but kept giving into temptation over and over again. The more I meditated upon 2 Peter 1:3-4, I began to see that the Holy Spirit is the source that provides fortitude within you.
Prayerful Action:
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you, John 14:26.
Developing the Spiritual Gifts to Press On:
The Holy Spirit is a topic that has been heavily debated among Christian denominations for centuries. Being filled with the Holy Spirit has become a divisive topic in Christian communities today. I’ve been told by a few leaders from charismatic churches that you’re not really saved if you aren’t filled with the Holy Spirit. However, this belief goes against the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2 about adding and subtracting commands from the Bible. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul places love above spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Therefore, if you want to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10, pray daily that you’ll keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. As you test spirits inside your heart, soul and mind,1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, may the Holy Spirit will begin to fill you with the fortitude to press on spiritually.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Rather than continue to reflect upon fortitude, I thought it would be beneficial to highlight how the Holy Spirit transformed members of the first century church. May the lyrics to today’s song inspire you to reach your hands toward heaven when your life isn’t going as you expected or planned.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 