2nd Peter 1:6b – Perseverance is mandatory in the Christian life. Everyone will be tested because God is interested in developing our character. He has a purpose and a plan for your life. Your challenge will be never to quit but to finish strong regardless of life's circumstances. Serve Him this week with your whole heart.

2nd Peter 1:6a – You will be controlled this week - by God's spirit or the world's. Self-control is deciding you will choose God's ways over your own. It is the power to allow God to be in control. Self-control is mandatory for Christian growth. It is my prayer that we will each lead a spirit-directed life this week.

2nd Peter 1:5 – Faith, Virtue, and Goodness are the first steps to genuine Christian growth. Peter reminds us that the journey begins with our faith (a personal relationship with Christ). Our next step is determining that we want to pursue the life of excellence that God wants for us. A life of knowing what God wants for us is established and sourced in the Word of God. As we discern and apply God's plan, we can begin to be the people God designed for us to be.

2 Peter 01:3-5a—Diligence—Peter explains that Christian growth requires effort. We have to be diligent if we intend to grow. How much effort are you putting into your growth? Real Christian growth does not happen without diligence.

1 Peter 02:23-25 – The Christian life is all about life and death: death to self and life to God. We do not focus on the world around us but on God using us. An attitude of revenge is not the way of Christ and should not be a part of how we live our lives.

1 Peter 02:18-22 – Peter reminds people that life will not be fair, but life is not about them or their “rights.” Life is about serving God faithfully regardless of our circumstances. Most of the time that will involve being mistreated. God calls us to represent Him and not us. Submitting our lives to God’s hand is not optional for the believer but rather a way of life.

Mothers Day 2024 - Proverbs 31 1-10 = Lemuel’s mom offers some great real world advice to her son. She reminds him to develop a servant’s heart. She challenges him to set healthy boundaries and to have a compassionate heart to the less fortunate. These 3 characteristics are foundational to raising the next generation.

Jimmy Cockburn - Peter reminds us that cleverness will never get you as far as submission.