By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  – 2 Peter 1:3

I got up Wednesday and wrote my customary WMD.  I was about to post it, but then I read it one more time.  It sounded like something I was supposed to write instead of something that I normally write.  I didn’t like it, so I didn’t post it.  

Sometimes life is hard.  Sometimes life isn’t going like I want it to go.  Too often, I think about praying and digging into the Word instead of actually praying and digging into the Word.  As far as being alone with God and learning like I’ve learned for the past three decades, I feel like I’m doing as little as I’ve ever done in my life, yet . . .

I’m absolutely amazed at the things God keeps allowing me to see and feel.  I would swear that I’m just coming up with something off the top of my head at a random moment to preach at the park.  That sermon ends up being exactly what a person who “randomly” came to the service on a whim needed to hear.  On a rainy, cooler temperature Sunday when I would expect maybe one or two hardcores to come to the service, twenty people show up and I get to baptize one of my students from last year.  Afterwards, a man who didn’t even have clothes to change into says he wants to be baptized.  I tell him we can do it next week, he said, “I’ll drive home wet . . . let’s do it now.”  There are two younger guys that I meet with regularly, one is learning to follow God, and the other knows about Him but isn’t yet a follower.  We read the scriptures, talk about God, and talk about what it looks like to have Him in our lives.  Those moments have been some of the most powerful moments of my week.

More than anything, I’m still learning that in no way, shape, or form can I earn God’s presence or favor.  I’ve done zero to receive the blessings I’ve been receiving lately, but I can honestly say that I do believe, and I have come to know God. 

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  – 2 Peter 1:3

I’m so glad He didn’t do it any other way.  

Lord, how amazing it is that You’ve given us everything we need.  Even after knowing You all these years, I think I have to do better and earn the good things that come from You.  I guess the evil one still comes like he did in the garden and whispers, “Did God really say . . .”  All I can ask is that You help me to stay faithful and help me stay grounded in You.  Help me to continue to know the real You and not the idea of You I can make up in my head sometimes.  I’m amazed at how quickly life passes by.  Work in me, use me, and make me more and more like You.  I ask all these things in the Name of Jesus . . . Amen.