“But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. “ 2Peter 1:5-7 

This is quite a list, isn't it?  We are to "add" all of these things to the faith in God that we had when he added us into His family.  The verb, “add,” suggests these are godly traits but, like every command in the Bible, God does not call us to do something without enabling us to fulfill His command. 

Knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love do not come naturally or easily to us. We need to be willing to work with God as He, through His Spirit, develops these characteristics in us.  He is willing and able because He loves us!   

Let us hunger and thirst for these qualities in our lives and strive to be more Christ-like as we serve him every day.  

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. “ Pro. 3:5-6

No matter your level of education, you don’t have all the answers to everything life throws at you. Whether it’s a difficult predicament, an unexpected turn of events, or a tragic loss you may find yourself struggling to solve a problem and explain why something negative has happened.

Sisters and brothers, God has all the answers. You don’t need to look any further or seek comfort from anyone else. He has your best interest in heart. Our Father and our God knows what we need. All we have to do is submit to Him, praise him for the successes in our life, and turn to Him at times of hardship. Our Lord will guide us through everything we do. Let us turn every area of our life over to Him. There’s no halfway with God. We can’t’ choose to follow Him some of the time and ignore Him other times.

If we make Him a vital part of everything we do, He will lead us because we will be working to accomplish His will. God knows what is best for us always! Our father is a better judge of what we need than we are, so we MUST trust Him completely in every choice we make. Amen.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth . . . I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isa. 43:19  Our life with God is a journey. It may be hard sometimes, but it is a journey worth traveling!  Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations and the only impossible journey is the one you never begin. (Prov. 3:5-6, Jer. 17:7)

We all go though trials and obstacles. (Jam. 1:2-4) God uses events in our lives to shape us, to teach us, and to help us grow. We must  continually try to avoid Satan, confess our sins, and forsake them. Paul advises us to “Put on all of the God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isa. 41:10

New beginnings always bring feelings of excitement, refreshment and thankfulness. This happens at weddings, new births, graduations, retirement, etc. Reflecting on some our “New Westpark Beginnings” (new births in Christ, restored souls, land for a new building, established leadership, first permanent minister), we have a lot to be thankful for. No words can express how blessed we are. Praise and glory to our great God for all of the new things He has done! May His blessings and protection continue to rain down upon us as we continue this journey!

The Joyful Life we seek ... 

Let us rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. The blessing of the Lord, it makes it rich, and he added no sorrow with it. So, ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy.

Philippians 4:4, Psalm 16:11, Proverbs 10:22,

John 16:24, Romans 14:17, Galatians5:22

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Col 1:16-17

The sovereignty of God used to be a given in church and was a common subject of preaching. Is this the case in these times? We must take time to read and take in scriptures like the one above, Heb.1:3, Eph.1:11, and Psalm 115:3. God has unlimited power, does what He chooses, and has sovereign control over the affairs of man, nature, and history. His power is absolute and infinite. He’s the potter and we’re the clay. Being God and being almighty, He has the power and the right to do whatever He wishes and is under no obligation to us.

There are aspects of God’s sovereignty we can see and experience, but we’ll never truly understand it on this side of the grave. Digging in the Word, being led by the Spirit, allowing God to have His way in our trials - these will shed light on these aspects but our hope in putting all the pieces together will have to be placed in eternity. “For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” 1Cor.13:12

Let us continue to grow in understanding of His will and His ways. Amen!