ENGLISH: THE JOURNEY BEGINS

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

READ:

2 Peter 1:5-11

If anyone is in Christ, he

is a new creation; old

things have passed away.

-2 Corinthians 5:17

Eighty-one years ago today a 9-year-old boy prayed to ask Jesus to be the Savior of his life.  His mother wrote these words in a memory book:  “Clair made a start today.” 

Clair-my dad-has now walked with Christ for 8 decades.  He marks the day when he made his decision to follow Christ as the beginning of his journey.  Growing spiritually is a life-long process-not a one-time event.  So how does a new believer feed his faith and continue to grow?  These are some things I observed in my dad’s life over the years.

He read the Scriptures regularly to increase his understanding of God and made prayer a daily part of his life (1 Chronicles 16:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Bible reading and prayer helps us grow closer to God and withstand temptation (Psalm 119:11; Matthews 16:41; Ephesians 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:2). The Holy Spirit began to develop the “fruit of the Spirit” in him as he surrendered his life in faith and obedience (Galatians 5:22-23).  We display God’s love through our witness and service.

My dad’s spiritual journey continues and so does ours.  What a privilege to have a relationship in which we can “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”! (2 Peter 3:18). -  Cindy Hess Kasper

I want my heart to be in tune with God,

In every stage of life may it ring true;

I want my thoughts and words to honor Him,

To lift Him up in everything I do. –Hess

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Salvation is the miracle of a moment;

growth is the labor of a lifetime.

INSIGHT

Peter begins today’s Scripture with the words “for this very reason” (v.5).  This phrase suggests that what is about to be said is connected to what has just been said in verses 1-4.  We are to “add to” our character traits in verses 5-7 because God in “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises” (vv.3-4)