2 Peter 1:1-11 Faith, Perseverance, Patience

2 Peter 1:1-11 NIV

Plowing fields around the Ring of Kerry took patience,
perseverance with much faith.

I have to admit that there are definitely days that my self-control and perseverance are lacking. They are more present today than they were twenty or thirty years ago. But, I do still fall short. I fall short because there are times when I get so wrapped up in getting things done that I forget that God is with me and do things the way others (or I) would prefer that they be done. Not doing God's will; but, instead doing what pleases a few people usually ends up in a disaster. And... disasters can mightily challenge our self-control and perseverance.

So I pray that God would grant us all faith and that in faith; goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love might follow.

God Peace - Pr. J

James 1:1-18 Perseverance and Tests!

James 1:1-18 NIV
Testing produces perseverance. Without perseverance we will not grow into maturity.

It is that time of year when many of our young people will complete another year of school. Some will graduate from High School or College. There will be using what they have learned throughout the preceding years to establish their lives as adults. Many have rejoiced as each challenge, each test, was conquered. They grew in knowledge and wisdom through perseverance. They matured. They will live full and fruitful lives. 

Others who may not have any desire to face these tests and rather than persevering in their studies just ignored them or ran may well find that they have more growing left than they bargained for. Simply put; they will not be prepared for the day that they have longed for so deeply. They will, one day, realize that there was a reason for all those tests.

James, the brother of Jesus writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

When a Christian faces tests, we are to persevere with joy. We accept the challenge. We prepare for it. We don't try to ignore it or try to run from it as we know that it will help us to learn and to grow to maturity; to the fullness of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 1 - Trials Then Glory

2 Thessalonians 1 NIV

Toksovan Lutheran Church, Russia (2002)
A church, then communist meeting hall,
now a church. There is always hope for
those who persevere.

In the face of persecution by friends, family, community; how easy it would be to just give up and follow in the ways of the world! But, for those who are confident in the Lord and in His justice, we do not give up. Our hope is in the Lord and in His promises. We know that in the end God will work all things out for the good to those who love Him and He will be glorified.

Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians begins with words of encouragement. He commends them for their perseverance and faith. They are enduring many persecutions and trials; yet, they remain faithful.

We are tried, daily, in many ways. We suffer many injustices here in this world. Yet, we know that our trials will bear fruit for the good of all of God's children. May God help us to persevere in faith 'till the day that we will see His glory in all its fullness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 5:1-11 Suffering and Peace

Romans 5:1-11 NIV
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of sufferings, we can know the peace that comes with being reconciled to God through faith.

There are days when I just shake my head and think "Wow! Again! I thought we had this all worked out. The enemy just doesn't give up." Then, I am reminded that we too were once God's enemy. Yet, He manages to open our eyes and hearts and minds to a greater understanding of the love He has for us; even as He poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Yet, we are aware that there are those who have rejected the love of God. There are those who have rejected the Holy Spirit. We are aware because it is often through those who reject His love and His peace that the church endures suffering. But, we remember that God can work all things for the good; that our suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. We have hope that even those who cause suffering to others will receive the love of God through Christ Jesus and know His peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.