"DO NOT...."

A few nights ago, I had a bad dream that was far to real and emotionally impacting. I woke up, fear had gripped me. Since I could not go back to sleep, I got up and read and studied the Bible. I came away from my time with God with peace and a very clear message.... "DO NOT BE anxious or worried about anything. God will supply your needs. If I give in to anxiety, worry or fear I am no different than the ungodly. I need to remember that I am a child of GOD. He cares for the birds, how much more does He care and provide for me?

There are two major lessons in these two words, "DO NOT"

The First one is Obvious....Don't Do It!

I am stuck on the words "DO NOT." This requires me to make a choice, a decision. No excuses acceptable. I either Will or I Won't.... my choice. There is really NO choice, if you Love God....

"DO NOT" leaves NO room for compromise or "why I can't" excuses. There is NO room for "Well, I'll Try" or " I will do my best" or "God understands...." NO!!! God instructs me to "DO NOT" do it. No anxiety, no fear, no worries - this is not an option. Simply give no room to anxiety, fear or worry. Stop them at the first thought. Don't Do It!!!!! Do Not go there. Make the choice, the decision, that fear, anxiety and worry are not options in my life. When the thoughts come that affect our emotions negatively and in opposition to God's word, stop them from going any further. Do not ponder on them, do not give them the time of day! Decide that I will not give these kind of thougts any space to torment me. Here is what these verses counsel us regarding this issue:

2 Corinthians 10:5 - We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Matthew 6:31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Do not give anxieties, worries or fear any room to think about them and do not talk about them. Do this instead:

Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

These scriptures are all instructions from God regarding the wise way to handle things.

Apparently, God knows it is possible to follow His instructions or He wouldn't so clearly state, "Do Not be anxious about anything"! Additionally, He must have good reason in giving us those instructions. Finally, remember His Grace is His power on our behalf. Certainly, that must include helping us to do as He instructs.

Read Matthew 6:25-35 and Philippians 4:6

The Second is less obvious, but even more impacting.... not often spoken, but nonetheless obvious...."will you follow My instructions?"

It boils down to my choice to obey (Loving God), or not, and trusting His Counsel or not.

John 14:15 - “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

Psalm 21:6 - For the king [confidently] trusts in the LORD, And through the lovingkindness (faithfulness, goodness) of the Most High he will never be shaken.

Jeremiah 17:7 - But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.

Proverbs 29:25 - Don't fall into the trap of being a coward--trust the LORD, and you will be safe.

Will I do according to the instructions of God or will I disregard His counsel? If we really know "Who our God Is", we will obey and trust Him because we Love him and we know He is the All Wise God. His way is the Wise way. He instructs us in order to help us. This is not an attempt to put the law on us. This is His instruction in the wise way to go. These are words of Love. Can't you see...if he cares about clothing the Lilies of the field, and feeding the birds of the air,  how much more does He care for me, His very own children!

Often, when we read God's Word - we often gloss over His instructions, without realizing what we are really doing or thinking. We are essentially silently saying "I could never do that", or some other lie of an excuse. We must understand that when God gives us instructions, He wants to help us to go in the best way to go and He will enable us to do it. That is what Grace is about....His power on our behalf. God is not telling us "Do Not" to be controlling, difficult or to frustrate us. He gives us His instructions to follow because it is the wise way, the best way, the smart way to go. He is trying to help us have peace and success. His way is the way of peace! Besides that, what do we gain by worrying? Sleepless nights? Ulcers?

This is a necessary lesson we must all learn to apply in every area of our life: Trust and obey God. Not because He is a dictator ready to strike us down or punish us for any deviation from His instruction. No! That is NOT Who Our God Is! He is our Loving Father, Great in Mercy. Ephesians 2:4.

He is instructing us in the right way to go because He Loves us. Because it is the Best Way to go. His Way is the tested Way, the Proven Way, the Wise way. His Way is the High Way.

I wonder how many times we make our lives miserable because we do not take His instructions seriously and choose to do things our own way instead.

Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

"Do Not" be anxious, worried or fearful about anything ..... Not just about what you will eat, drink or wear, but anything.....finances, politics, children, your future.....absolutely anything. Don't Worry about it! Why? Because God cares for you. You belong to Him.

Follow God's instructions, whatever they are, not only because you Love Him, but because that Love causes you to trust that He has your best interest in mind and His counsel is truly the best way to go. You don't need to understand the details. You just need to Know Who Your God is!!!!

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

Don't be anxious or worried about anything. Not one thing. Alternatively, pray and give God Thanksgiving!

Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].

PRAYER: Father, help me never to take your instructions lightly or ever consider them optional. I desire to show my love for You by my obedience to your Word, by trusting You. Your way is the Wise Way to go, it is the right way. I do not want to be a fool, I will follow your counsel. Thank You for loving me, for Your Mercy and Grace.

On the horizon is "Who Is Your God - 6 ???!!! 

God Is our Good, Good God!!!! 

Who IS Your God - 5 ???!!!

F.

"Faithful, Faithful, Faithful God"

Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a Faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

Faithfulness: literally firmness, steadiness: stability, steady, truly, truth, verily.

Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Many years ago, there were three things that I learned that completely changed my life. Still, today, I apply them constantly. These truths impact and direct my decisions and behavior. These three things help me stay steady in my faith toward God no matter what the circumstances are. I have written about these truths many times and speak to others frequently about them.

I am convinced of these truths. I know that I have become more, much more steady and immovable in my faith toward God because I firmly believe that:

1. God's Word is True

2. God cannot lie. It is Impossible for Him to Lie.

3. God IS Faithful. He Will do what He says He will do!!!

In the process of daily life, there are multitudes of things that we must process. Thoughts that we must evaluate and determine if they must be cast down and traded in for God's perspective or if they are currently in agreement with God's Word. It is a necessity to know what God's Word says. Without knowing what God says we have no solid basis in which to place our trust. God is Faithful to fulfill His Word, but what Word is it that we are standing on?

The most difficult to handle are the times of devasting news. We must stay steady and follow the same pattern of trusting that what God says is true no matter what. Regardless of how I feel, how it looks or any report contrary to God's report, I must hold fast to God and His Word. I must be convinced and choose to continually stay steady, knowing that it is simply impossible for Him to lie and I can confidently trust that He will do what He says He will do because He IS my Faithful God. That is the essence of the "Faith" that we are to Live by. I look to God, to His Word, and I say what God says about my situation. God always has something to say pertaining to whatever the situation is. I choose to agree with God. (Period). I know He will fulfill His Word to me - He is Faithful!!!! I just need to believe that and hold tight. 

God IS Faithful, He will do what He told you. He is a covenant keeping God of Loving Devotion. El Shaddai who nourishes you, cares for you, giving you all you need, this is not to difficult for Him. 

In whatever situation you are in. Ask God for His Counsel to you. If you ask, He will answer you with His  particular counsel to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].

English Standard Version - He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Numbers 23:19 - God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Psalm 89:33 - But I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:11 - By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

Our Faith is based on His Word and is our response to His Faithfulness to His Word.

Will you consider Him Faithful who has promised? If you will, you will see the power of God working mightily in you and on your behalf..

I have determined that the question is NOT "Will God be Faithful to me?", but rather, "will I be found Faithful to Him?"

Luke 18:18 - I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Proverbs 20:6 -Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?

Psalm 138:2 - for you have exalted your Word above all your name.

Psalm 89:8 - O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? You are entirely faithful.

Certainly, God is our Faithful, Faithful, Faithful God!

Respond to Him with that conviction. Show Him your faith!!!!

Who IS Your God - 4 ???!!!

This study has taken me a while of research and has opened my eyes even further to see what a magnificent God we serve. 

Over the years there have been many words that I have thought I knew the meaning of. However, when I began to really study to understand, I found out that the words have far deeper meaning than I ever would have known without studying..... this is one of them....

E.

El Shaddai

El Shaddai is generally translated "God Almighty", however, that description only begins to scrape the surface of this Name of God. 

It is important to understand what "Name of" means. It is far more than just what some one calls you, which could merely mean nothing more than saying, "Hey, Cat" to a stray cat walking around.

When someone speaks the "Name of" someone they know well and intimately, that "Name" encompasses their identity, their background, personality, characteristics and qualities about them that others who don't know them well, yet, may not know. Their "Name" speaks of "Who" that person really is. Things that no one can take away from them. Their "Name" points to ways that are unique to them. It identifies things that hold within it the understanding of how that person behaves, responds or reacts  One might say, "that person is trustworthy, faithful, reliable, patient and kind.....she is such a sweetie, you will really like her, I always can count on her. Her name is:...."

So, when God identifies Himself with certain names throughout the Bible, that "Name" is far more than just a title to call Him by. That "Name" encompasses far reaching depths of "Who He Is"! That is why simply translating "El Shaddai" to only "God Almighty" is no where near sufficient enough. That is my explanation, so far, hope it makes sense.

Now, let's look at the "Name" El Shaddai, a little deeper. This is a valuable search,  because these explanations help us to understand more completely "Who Our God Is".

El Shaddai:

"El" is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character.

It is believed that Shaddai comes from the word "Shad", which means: "the breasty one". This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying his people with all their needs as a mother would her child  Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing. He is our Sustainer.

The first time El Shaddai is used is found in Genesis 17:1-2, "and when Abram was 99 years old, the Lord (Jehovah) appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God (El Shaddai); and be perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.

The Name -  El Shaddai also reveals God as a Covenant keeping, Promise keeping God

God Almighty - review "Who IS Your God - 1 ???!!!"

Often when we think about God Almighty, we connect that aspect of God with Maker of Heaven and Earth, we think of the great and amazing miracles He did in the Bible. We think of all that was done to make a way for us to come back into relationship with Him, to be forgiven, redeemed and made righteous through Christ. These are all true and magnificent, but add on to the "Mighty" aspect of who God is and see Him as your Nourisher, Sustainer and Promise Keeping, Covenant Keeping God.

Bring our "Mighty God" into our daily walk with Him and see Him additionally as our Covenant Keeping, Promise Keeping Nourisher and Sustaining God. Ponder these promises of God's nourishment and sustainance: 

Psalm 91:14-15 - The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden on the LORD [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).

Isaiah 40:29 - Behold, God is my helper and ally; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul [my upholder].

1 Peter 5:9 - casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Do you see the promises and the guarantee of sustainance that God gives us. It is so important that we take God at His Word and realize He cannot lie, His Word is true and He will fulfill His promises to us. Stop attempting to do it alone, leaving only the "Mighty" things up to God. Stop attempting to be Self-Sufficient because El Shaddai also means that God is our:

All Sufficient One - I have been pondering that one for a while now.

Ephesians 4:6 - one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.

1 Corinthians 15:28 - However, when all things are subjected to Him (Christ), then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One (the Father) who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [manifesting His glory without any opposition, the supreme indwelling and controlling factor of life].

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.

Psalm 57:2 - 

Bereans Study Bible - I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.

King James Bible - I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Question: What is lacking in "All"? He IS our ALL Sufficient One.

All Sufficient definition - sufficient (meeting all that is needed) to everything; infinitely able.

More Than Enough

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”

Jeremiah 32:7 - “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?

Luke 1:37 - 

English Standard Version
For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Berean Study Bible
For no word from God will ever fail.”

Oh, I could go in and On and ON!

How exciting to Know "Who Our God Is!!!"

Why don't you let God be El Shaddai to you....

     •  Your Almighty God

     •  Your Nourisher

     •. Your Sustainer

     • Your Promise-Keeper

     •. Your Covenant- Keeper

     •  Your All--Sufficient One

     •  Your God who is More than Enough

What an Awesome God we serve!

Who IS Your God - 3 ???!!!

 So, Who IS Your God and What are You going to about it?????

Three "D's:

#1 - D.

Deliverer

Psalm 144:2 - He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Deliverer Hebrew definition 'palat' - my deliverer: rescuer, cause to escape, bring into security, carry away safe.

Psalm 18:2 -The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my sa lvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:50 - Great deliverance giveth He to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Deliverer Hebrew definition 'yeshuah' - something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity -- deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. 

2 Corinthians 1:10 - He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again

Notice: God Delivers us Past, Present and Future

Deliver Greek definition -  rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction. Lord deliver me out of my (personal) pains and bring me to You and for You." Nhýomai ("rescue") implies removing someone in the midst (presence) of danger or oppression, i.e. delivered "right out of" and to (for) the rescuer.]

#3 - D.

Defender

Isaiah 51:22 - This is what the Sovereign LORD, your God and Defender, says: “See, I have taken the terrible cup from your hands. You will drink no more of my fury.

Defender definition: pleads the cause, contend for, strive for, fight for.

Psalm 35:1 - Plead my cause, (defend) O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

Hebrews 7:25 - Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].although intercede and defend are not the same word, it seems the idea of the meaning is alike.

Ponder the depth of meaning regarding "God is our Deliverer."  This is Who He IS - Our Deliverer. Rescuing us out from danger to and for Himself.

Ponder on the truth that He pleads our case. He IS our Defender..

Ahhhhh, What an Awesome God we have!!!

# 3 - D.

He is our Almighty God, our Banner, our Cornerstone, Deliverer and our Defender?

So, What Will We DO about this?????

Declare!!!!

Psalm 96:3 - Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works and wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:24 - Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things!

Psalm 40:5 - O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 - “Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;

And let the earth hear the words of my mouth!

“May my teaching drip as the rain,

My speech trickle as the dew,

As droplets on the fresh grass,

And as the showers on the vegetation.

“For I proclaim the name of the LORD;

Ascribe greatness to our God!

“The Rock! His work is perfect,

For all His ways are just;

A God of faithfulness and without injustice,

Righteous and just is He.

1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Let me present this question to you now.....

What are you Declaring or Proclaiming? 

Are you Declaring reports of the problems you face or of the Excellencies of our God?

Are you like David, as you boldly face Goliath (what opposes you and attempts to defy you and cause you to draw back in fear as the Israelite army did)? Read 1 Samuel 17.

Are you like the Israelites in the Wilderness who constantly magnified the troubles or like Joshua and Caleb who proclaimed WHAT God said and WHO God is?

REMEMBER this vital Truth....those who Proclaim the Truth  Those who stand firmly on the side of God, (Faith) regardless the circumstances..... They are the ones who experience the Power of God on their behalf.....the healing, the deliverance, the overwhelming Victory, !

That is a Bold statement, I know, but study the patterns and the words that were spoken by those in need throughout the Old and the New Testament. The pattern is obvious. The truth is clear.

Who IS Your God - 2??!!!

 So, Who IS Your God???

Deuteronomy 10:17 - "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the Great God, the Mighty and Awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.

Jeremiah 32:17 - Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,

Acts 2:31 - And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name (character, fame, reputation) of the Lord shall (will) be saved.

Saved - Greek definition: rescue from injury or peril); to save a suffering one (from perishing),        e. g. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health:  to make one a partaker of the salvation by Christ; heal, be made whole "safe"; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) -- heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

It does not matter what situation or circumstances you find yourself in, Your God is the Great God, Mighty and Awesome. There IS Nothing, NOT One thing, that is too difficult for Him. If you will call on who God IS, you Will be rescued from the trouble that is against you, whether spiritual or physical. Such a wonderful Promise and this is Not too difficult for our Awesome, Mighty Great God!!! 

Continuing with "Who IS Your God???!!!!" alphabetically, in the days to come.

For now, remember Your God is Your Almighty God, Your Banner and Your Cornerstone.

Trust Him completely regardless what you face today. Remember Who Your God Is!!!! He will never fail you. Live by faith in Him (absolute trust and Confidence in Who Your God Is and What His Word says) today. Agree with Him. Speak Life not death or fear. There is Power in Your Words, too. He came to give you Life and Life more abundantly. What an Awesome God we serve!!!!!

Who IS Your God??!!!!

 Let's begin taking a look at who our God is.....

A. 

Almighty

Genesis 35:11 -  Then God said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants!

Revelations 11:17 - saying, “To You we give thanks, O Lord God Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all], Who are and Who were, because You have taken Your great power and the sovereignty [which is rightly Yours] and have [now] begun to reign.

Job 34:12 - “Surely God will not act wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

Question: is the Lord God Almighty truly the Ruler of your life?

B.

Banner

Exodus 17:15 -  Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh Nissi (which means “the LORD is my banner”). 

Read Exodus 17:8-15... .as long as as Moses held up the rod of God, the Israelites succeeded. Afterwards, Moses built an altar, recognizing that it is God who is like unto the "rod of God" that we hold up. He is our Banner. We put Him forth and we succeed...

Question: Are you holding Jesus up as the Banner of your life.

C.

Cornerstone

Ephesians 2:20 - Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

1 Peter 2:6 - Forgot this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOSEN STONE, A PRECIOUS (honored) CORNERSTONE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

Isaiah 28:16 -  Therefore the Lord GOD says this, “Listen carefully, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a tested Stone, A precious Cornerstone for the [secure] foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [who trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone] will not be disturbed or give way [in sudden panic].

What does Cornerstone mean?

It is the rock upon which the weight of the entire structure rests. It is the cornerstone. Scripture describes Jesus as the "Chief Cornerstone" of our faith.

Question: is the entirety of your life totally dependent on Jesus? Is He your Cornerstone?

How's your perseverance???

This morning I have been pondering the word "perserverance".  I do have a particular fascination  regarding the meaning of words. I figure if it is something I am to have and strive after, I had better understand what it is.

Perserverance definition:

5281 hypomonḗ (from 5259 /htpó, "under" and 3306 /ménō, "remain, endure") – properly, remaining under, endurance; steadfastness. A patient, steadfastness, constancy, endurance.

in the N. T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings: 

2 Peter 1:3-11 - 3For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. 5For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 8For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind--shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 11for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.

In my pursuit to understand "Perserverance", I have gotten hung up in these verses in 2nd Peter. I am attempting to pick out main points in these verses to emphasize them, but finding it quite difficult to do so. Every word is essential. I think it wise to ponder these verses and ask yourself, "How am I doing increasing these values in my life? Am I headed to spiritual maturity or, alternatively, am I lacking the qualities listed and I am actually closing my spiritual eyes to the truth and stumbling?

Since it was the word "Perserverance" that started this entire investigation this morning, I will briefly pursue that thought with some questions:

Since Perserverance means endurance and steadfastness and constancy. Unswerving from your loyalty to faith or your loyalty to keeping steady in trusting God in the midst of troubles and suffering. My main question is: How are you doing in regard to that? Are you blind to spiritual things? Are you building on sand or on a solid rock? Are you quickly sinking in the storm by being distracted by the wind and waves? Are you steady with your eyes on Jesus? When trouble hits, are you quickly bailing out on God or are you faithfully Stickin' with Jesus, who is the Truth, the Word of God?

Do you have the knowledge that you are sharers of the divine nature? Do you know that for this very reason, you must apply your diligence [to the divine promises, and make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to develop Perserverance along with all the other attributes to be sharers of His divine nature.

How steady and constant are you in your confidence toward God (faith) when trouble comes? When you evaluate yourself and if you find these qualities lacking, know this: His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, and make every effort to add these characteristics, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, knowledge (insight, self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, brotherly affection, and [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 

Know this: if these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, apply diligence and every effort to increase in these characteristics and grow spiritually. Where you are regarding these characteristics reflects where you are in your relationship with Christ and remember...we are headed for an eternal kingdom. This is no small potatoes. Pay attention. Apply diligence.