The NIV 365 Day Devotional
Faithful Promise
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.2 Peter 1:3-11
Peter reminds us that we have everything we need to live the Christian life. Everything! We have this because, as believers, the Spirit of God lives inside of us. He gives us comfort, strength, conviction, hope, and encouragement. He never leaves us. He never turns his back on us.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of a promise given in the Old Testament: that one day God would dwell within his people. There would no longer be any need for a temple because we would become God’s temple. We now have the Holy Spirit within us.
Because of this fulfilled promise, great things await us. We can become good people, strong in knowledge and full of self-control. When we face trials, instead of shrinking back, with the Spirit’s help we can persevere. We can make choices that honor God. He will give us the ability to love others well.
All this erupted from a promise fulfilled. What a privilege to be recipients of such a promise! God has been so faithful to you. He rescued you, yes, but he also empowers you to live a life that has meaning and purpose.
Thank you for the Holy Spirit within me. Thank you that I am not alone. Thank you that you promise to help me live this life with victory. Amen.
Consider these traits: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, love. After each trait, think of an example of how God has changed you or is working on you in this area.
Taken from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.