Sunday, March 28, 2021

SPIRITUALLY EQUIPT


Grace and peace be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God and of Jesus
our Lord;

seeing that His divine power has
granted to us everything pertaining
to life and godliness
, through the
true knowledge of Him who called
us by His own glory and excellence,

For by these He has granted to us
His precious and magnificent promises
,
so that by them you may become
partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in
the world by lust.
II Peter 1:2-4

Perhaps you, like me in time past, have accepted a job you were more than qualified to do. However, arriving on the first day can be a real wake up. For some reason, in most places, a first-day employee, although qualified either by experience, degree or both, one is expected to jump in and do the job with not even basic entry information. Often, the simplest of introductions are left undone. Because of a lack of introductory information, it may take several days just to catch up to expectations and feel a part of the job scene.

Peter is one of my favorites of Jesus' twelve disciples. I think it's because in some ways, I can relate to him. He was a common, ordinary guy who was a fisherman. We don't know of his education. It may have been no more than learning in the home and learning the trade of his father. Peter wasn't a fancy kind of guy. I like that as I'm not a fancy kind of gal. He was a man of opinion and often found himself with a case of “hoof-in-mouth” disease with his impulsiveness. He was sure of himself as to what he would or wouldn't do. Despite weaknesses, Jesus saw something very special in Peter. In fact, Jesus stated clearly that upon that rock (Peter) He would build His church.

Despite his weaknesses, denying Jesus and other things, we see one type of Peter during his days of walking with Jesus and then we see him after Jesus ascends to Heaven and then sending the Holy Spirit into those waiting for that event Jesus spoke of. We see a new Peter with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His first sermon during that beginning time is totally amazing. He then had the Holy Spirit working in and through Him.

Peter not only preached, traveled for ministry but wrote two letters that bear his name in our New Testament. He wrote to scattered Christians, people facing persecution and discouragement. His two letters are such a blessing and encouragement. The Scripture quoted above recently caught my attention, even though I've read these books more times than I can count.

According to the above Scripture, we see Jesus equipping us for the ability to live the Christian life. There in verse two, Peter emphasizes that we aren't on our own in this life. He says that God has made everything available to us that has to do with life and godliness. As Christians, God hasn't left us to flounder spiritually. He has equipt us through His Son Jesus to take on life and godliness with a power hard for even we Christians to ponder. I don't know about you, but at times I find I am a struggler in this life. That certainly isn't God's fault...it's mine for He has provided what I need to lead a happy and peaceful life, a life of growth in Him.

Peter went on to say what God has given us in the way of tools for fulfillment in our spiritual walks. He has given us true knowledge of Jesus who has personally called us by everything Jesus is...His glory and excellence. Much of this knowledge we know from verse 4 that we are granted this knowledge and fulfillment through His precious and magnificent promises...His very Word. Through that Word, we are built up in Christ and we are provided an escape from the evil influence the world has to offer.

We are too quick to fold our wings in defeat crying that the world is just too much for us. I wonder if God doesn't shake His head sometimes when He sees us yielding to spiritual defeat when His provision for us is to ensure victory. Let's refocus...eyes off of the world and it's politics and problems and onto our Heavenly Father who is greater that all the negatives we can experiece or think up. Let's get into the Word like never before, basking in the goodness and love God extends to us through Jesus and His Spirit. We must focus on the greater power in our lives...our Heavenly Father.

Father, the world demands our attention and would keep us discouraged and in despair. You are the greatest and most powerful we can ever know. In these days, You need a people who will stand and be an encouragement and may we be that for You despite the circumstances Satan throws our way. Thank You for equipping us. In Jesus' name...Amen

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