July 23, 2005

"He Shoots! He Scores!"

2 Peter 1:3-11

3 His 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. 4 Through 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. 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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, 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 if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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Prepare your minds for action ... 1 Peter 1:13 In my early teens I watched a professional hockey player, in a moment of athletic artistry, score the most fabulous goal my eyes had ever seen. I was in awe! Like any young Canadian who dreams daily of scoring a similar goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, I gathered my gear the next morning, headed off to the frozen pond nearby, and spent hours imitating that particular goal before an imaginary goalie. The next day, in a game against my neighborhood buddies, twice I attempted my well-rehearsed moves, and both times the puck went right where it belonged-into the goalie's net! Similarly, religious affections "cause a Christian to be practical in the business of his daily life," says Jonathan Edwards. "Three things are implied by this. One, his behavior or practice in the world is wholly conformed to and directed by Christian principles. Two, he places holy living above everything else. This is his main preoccupation; he is devoted to it with the greatest diligence and earnestness. It can be said he makes his practice of true religion his work and business. And, three, he persists in it to the end of his life. He never takes a holiday from it, nor does he practice it only at certain times. It is the constant business of his life and he perseveres through all [uncertainty] and under all trials as long as he lives."

"Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay... Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me." In Jesus' name, Amen.

About the author — Charles Geschiere

Rev. Charles Geschiere has been a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for over 30 years. During that time, he has served churches in Illinois, Virginia, and Michigan. Currently, he is ministering to Vienna Presbyterian Church, where he has served since 2012.

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