5 For this very reason, make every effort to add
to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to
knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance,
godliness (2 Peter 1:5-6; NIV).
From 2008
until 2014, I was writing a daily devotion based on the weekend’s sermon and
distributing it electronically via e-mail. For one reason or another, that
discipline faded. Interestingly enough, I’ve also noted a certain lag in my own
personal devotions lately. Since it is the first week in Advent, and the Church’s
New Year, I made a resolution to get back to devotion-writing again for my
benefit and for the benefit of those who found them edifying.
I’m not a
big fan of New Year’s resolutions—never have been. I think they’re often just
wishful thinking artificially tied to one day. On the other hand, sometimes you
do have to “make every effort.” I’ve actually got a list of things I need to make
more effort at. There’s these devotions. I have a couple of professional goals.
And I’ve come to think that I need to spend more times with the Psalms in
coming days. (For the pastor, personal spiritual growth and professional growth
often go hand in hand.)
So, if you’re
interested, you can watch this space each day for some kind of reflection on
topics spiritual and theological. Perhaps it will help you take a small step
forward in your faith, too.
