Gleanings for November 3

“KNOWING” JESUS

2^nd Peter 1: 3 – 11 “As we know Jesus better His divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive His own glory and goodness (as we come to KNOW HIM)

“By that same mighty power, He has given us all of His rich and wonderful promises,

“He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in His divine nature.

“So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence.

“A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control.

“Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine (Agape) love for everyone.

“The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.

“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.

“Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away. And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The New Living Bible Translation

Please be sure you read all of the above scripture it is longer than usual. I consider “The Word” to be the most important part of each day’s Grandma’s Gleaning devotion.

We have been looking at the virtues that will help us to grow in our knowledge of God and His love. The author of this letter uses strong words for those who are not willing to choose to “develop these virtues” He says that they are “blind or at least, very short sighted.”

Notice, also, the ability to develop character is possible because we have ALREADY been “cleansed” from the old life of sin. We never “work to gain” salvation, we choose to be diligent or eager to find ways that will help us grow in God’s Grace, which is the result of “the great salvation” that has already been bought and paid for, by HIM, and it is available for anyone who will ask Him for it.

I encourage you to study the verses we share each day. God’s Word brings LIFE and with that Life, He wants us to know:

The JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!!