2 Peter 1:3-7

Pastor Dave began by explaining that godliness is not being like God, a common misconception he himself held. Instead, he said, godliness is a reverent response to God. A godly person responds to who God is and what He has done (and is doing) by living a life that exhibits reverence and great respect for Him. How high is godliness on my list of priorities? Does reverence permeate my day? Let’s make this our daily prayer: Lord, help me be a godly person today.

Reverence is more than an inner attitude. Reverence, or godliness, “shows” in someone’s life as he or she becomes the kind of person God intends. The apostle Peter specifies some of these characteristics in this week’s passage. They include: virtue (moral excellence, integrity), knowledge (from God’s word), self-control (ability to say no to your desires), steadfastness (endurance, perseverance), brotherly affection (mutual), love (even if nothing is received in return). Dave explained that Peter’s pattern of listing characteristics in pairs adds “something more” and bears careful examination. For example, “knowledge with self-control” raises the question, “I know the right thing to do, but do I do it?” Ask the Holy Spirit to show you which reverent quality is your biggest weakness. Then ask Him to give you a shake, in the moment, when an opportunity to practice that godly quality arises.

Dave pointed out that the phrase “make every effort” in verse 5 implies we will fail at times. The enemy of our souls would love for us to cry out in defeat, “I can’t!” Rehearse before the Lord, with thanks, the assurances He gives us that we can. Verse 3 clearly states that our godliness depends on His divine power, not our own. It also declares that the Lord’s divine power has already given us everything we need for godliness – namely, His word and His promises. One of His promises is the Holy Spirit, the Helper, at work in us. Thank God that He provides what we need to do what He requires.

Calvary Family

I asked Diana Aksel, our Children’s Director, how we can be praying for VBS. She asks that we join her in asking the Lord to be at work preparing kids’ hearts for what they will learn during VBS, June 27 – July 1. Let’s also pray that the task of recruiting adult and youth workers will turn out to be a joy for Diana because so many willing volunteers with the needed gifts and abilities step forward to serve. Ask God how He wants to use you to help with VBS!

Registration for Family Camp is underway. Lift up new people in our midst who long to connect with the church body but aren’t sure how, asking God to give them boldness to sign up for Family Camp.

Plan to participate in our National Day of Prayer service this Wednesday evening at 7:00 in the worship center. It is easy to complain about America’s culture and leaders. How much better to bring our nation before the throne of heaven in prayer!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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