READ 2 Peter 1
God has given us the capacity to grow in Christian character and to develop spiritual fruit.
 
INSIGHT
We are children of God, subjects of the King of creation. God calls us to act accordingly, but often we do not. Our actions tend to result from our self-image which is flawed and enamored with the values and attitudes of this world. Peter writes that we have become: “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world . . . " He then adds: ". . . for this very reason," pursue holiness (vs. 4-5). Those who do not pursue holiness are shortsighted and have forgotten that they have been purged of their old sin natures.
 
PRAYER
We have become partakers of the divine nature through Christ, so praise Him who made it possible:
My heart is confident, God;
I will sing; I will sing praises
With the whole of my being.
I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.  
For your faithful love is higher than the heavens,
And your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.  
God, be exalted above the heavens,  
And let your glory be over the whole earth
(Psalm 108:1, 3-5).
 
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;
Do not discipline me in your wrath.  
Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak;  
Heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking;  
My whole being is shaken with terror.  
And you, Lord — how long?
(Psalm 6:1-3).
 
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Faithfulness with your talents
• State and local leaders
• Your activities for the day

 
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Only goodness and faithful love
Will pursue me all the days of my life,  
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
As long as I live (Psalm 23:6).