Add to Your Faith Goodness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 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 1:5-6 

Since God is love, whoever abides in love abides in God and God in him.

For this reason, God asks us to make an effort to not only have faith, but also goodness.

And knowledge. Then add self-control.

Next pile on perseverence.

And add godliness.

Then mutual affection.

And finally love.

If I possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep me from being unproductive and inneffective in getting to know Jesus personally.

Prayers and Thanksgiving for All People

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2

God calls us to pray for all people.

Even those who hate us and want war instead of peace.

Thank you, Lord, for each person.

Everyone is valuable and precious in your sight.

We ask for your intercession that wars may cease and conflicts may end.

So your peace will cover the world.

And so all will live in godliness and holiness.

Worshiping you as Lord and King.

Add to Your Faith Goodness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 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 1:5-8

Today is the Ides of March!

And Friday is St. Patrick's Day.

And our friend Laurie's birthday.

May the luck 'o the Irish be with ye!

And the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's a view of the Del Mar beach in March of 2019.

We're so thankful to God for His amazing creation.

Prayers for All People

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2 

Today is election day.

We are so blessed to live in a country where we have the opportunity to vote for our elected officials.

What a contrast to the Soviet Union and other countries where dialog and differences are stifled and people are jailed or killed for their beliefs.

Even though our family mailed our ballots in several weeks ago, we'll find out the results this evening.

Most of them, anyway.

Despite the results, God calls us to pray for all those in authority, even when we don't agree with them.

We can still intercede on their behalf so that God's will might be done in their lives and in our country.

God calls us to give thanks for them and their service.

I especially pray for the poll workers, that He will surround them with His protection and peace.

That He will keep them safe and help us thank them for their service.

That we may live peaceful lives in godliness and holiness.

So that everything I do may glorify Him.

Your Knowledge of Our Lord

To godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 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 1:7-8

If we possess the qualities of godliness, affection, and love, God can use us for His purposes.

These qualities will keep us from being ineffective.

They will keep us from being unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus.

Saturday when Abby and I went to Fashion Valley, we were greeted by this Christmas tree.

It wasn't even Halloween yet, and the Christmas decorations were up.

It seems strange to celebrate so early.

But we do want to remember the birth of our Savior.

Every day - not just during the Christmas season.

Add to Your Faith Goodness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. — 2 Peter 1:5-6

God gives us situations where we need to have self-control.

And at times it seems impossible without His guidance.

He gives us situations where we need to persevere.

And at times we can't keep going on our own.

Last week I prayed with and for a coworker who was struggling in many ways.

She was broken downhearted, and defeated.

I asked God to wrap a hedge of protection and love around her.

And this morning that prayer was answered, and she was surrounded by support and love.

When she shared with me this turn of events, I mentioned that it was a complete answer to the prayer I had prayed over her last week.

Our God is an awesome God.

He loves and cares for us.

He is adding daily to my faith.

And God is teaching me self-control, perseverance, and even godliness.

Thank You, Lord!

Servants of God

A servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. — Titus 1:1

Corn Hole Game

As servants of God, we are asked to do God's will in our lives.

This weekend we got out our cornhole game.

We haven't played in almost a year so we are a bit rusty.

We got better with practice.

It was hot, so we couldn't play for very long.

I did get one in the hole after a few rounds.

As a servant of God, we are asked to further the faith and to spread the knowledge of His truth.

Pilate asked, "What is truth?"

Jesus answered, "I am the way, the  Truth, and the life. Whoever believes in me will have everlasting life."