July 23

Read 2 Peter 1

 ³His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (NIV)

Following yesterdays theme and post I have to say that this passage is one of those scriptures that lives in my heart and brings me encouragement. In fact when I read it I hear it as song and my heart is immediately encouraged. I'm not sure where I first heard the song or how it tied into my life circumstances at that moment but I know that it has been quite a few years. But even today as I listen again to the whole song my heart is calmed and centered into the loving hands of a gracious God. I am reminded that my needs are not my wants and that God is in the process of providing everything that I need. I'm reminded that when I begin to think that my wants are what I actually need I get myself into trouble. I'm reminded that there is actually very little that I have that I could not live without. I'm reminded that the experience of God's glory is worth more than all of my wants rolled up and multiplied by ten. I'm reminded that Jesus is who I need and that is and will be enough.

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Do you ever hear scripture as song? What are some of those passages for you that come to mind?
• Have you ever heard a section of scripture in a song or in passing that seemed to be just what you needed that day? Do you remember what it was and what difference it made to you that day?
• Take a few moments and make a list of two things present in your life today. Put your needs in one row and your wants in another. Which one is longer?
• What need is God providing for you today that you can give thanks for in your life?

Prayer focus for today:

• Pray for a church that you live or work near that their ministry might be honoring unto God.
• Pray for those who are reading the daily devotional at http://newgroundcc.blogspot.com/ that they will be strengthened in their faith.