2 Peter 1:8

Today's Bible Verse

"You should grow as believers in all these ways, more and more. When you live in that way, it will show that you really know our Lord Jesus Christ. People will see that your life has good results."

2 Peter 1:8

Reflection
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What are the ways in which Simon Peter is telling us we should grow?
If we read all of chapter one, which is a very short chapter, we will see that he tells us to add faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, devotion to God, kindness, and love. 
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He tells us that if all these things are growing inside of us then we will never fail to be useful to God.
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As followers of Jesus our relationship with him should grow. 
We should not remain who we once were.
The more we get to know him the more evident our changes should be. 
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As an addiction counselor I come into contact with clients that are at their lowest points in life. 
While many of them are searching for answers,
quite a few of them are unwilling to "give Jesus a try."
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I recently had a skeptical client state, "Even though I don't believe in your God, I have to admit the Christians I've met all seem to be doing fairly well in life."
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I was relieved to hear her say that.
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As Christians we have to remember that we may be the only glimpse of Jesus that a non-believer ever sees. 
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Sadly, many times they've seen us fail. They've seen the adulterous pastor in the news. They've heard their Christian co-worker cussing and commenting on women inappropriately,
​They've witnessed their Christian neighbor fighting with their family. 
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Although we are never going to be perfect, if we are openly sharing Jesus with our non-believing friends, then we are able to add context to what they observe. 
We are able to deliver a message of repentance and forgiveness. 
One of grace and mercy. 
Not one of excuses, but the ability to point to a still growing relationship. 
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Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Grow us.
Make us more like you.
​Help us to be a witness to our non-believing friends, family, co-workers and strangers. 
We never know who is observing us. 

We pray for the gifts that are mentioned in today's verse. 
Please build our faith in you.
Make it strong and able to withstand all circumstances. 

​We are sinful by nature.
Pour out your goodness into our spirits. 
Let us radiate a light that draws others closer to you. 

We humbly ask for knowledge. 
Help us to be wise in all our decisions. 
Bless us with favor in the choices we make. 
Let our knowledge lead others to you. 

Please grant us self-control and patience. 
Remove all desires to act on impulse. 
Cultivate a spirit of calmness and meekness. 

​Lastly, we ask that you increase of devotion to you and our devotion to treating others with kindness and love.
We want to love you and love others as we love ourselves. 
Your Word teaches us that you are love. 
If we love you then it will show in the way that we sacrificially love others. 

God, we ask that your will is done in our lives. 
Use us for your glory and honor. 

In Jesus Name, 

​Amen

We hope you enjoyed today's message.
Please tell someone about Your Praying Friend, but more importantly tell everyone about Jesus!
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