SWHW Bible Reading Plan: November 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Sarah Martin:

I feel like I’m not alone in my love for a good list. Anyone else? And let me tell you about my love for a good list…in the Bible. Whoosh. Nothing better than a clear-cut list of words to guide me along my day. And yes, I know these lists aren’t there to simply give us another “check the box and move on” situation. Even still, a good list gives me the structure that my personality type craves. God is so good like that, right?

Today in 2 Peter 1, we have an offering of a list of words that aren’t all-encompassing, but these words—if understood in the original context and to their full meaning—give us beautiful ways to see the fruit of our faith in our lives.

I invite you to prayerfully explore this list of words offered by Peter that, in fact, hold so much weight that he goes so far as to say…

“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” 2 Peter 1:8-9 

• Virtue— moral goodness. Do I have a firm foundation in my Biblical view of morals and goodness? 
• Knowledge— in context to faith. Knowledge of the revelation of who God is that is found in the Word, found in creation, found in prayer, and found in the fellowship of believers. Is my utmost daily pursuit that of seeking intimacy with God and to know that I know that I know Him? 
• “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…” Ephesians 1:17 
• Self-Control— temperance of fleshly desires and passions. What do I allow myself to indulge in at the expense of all-out devotion to Jesus?  
• Steadfastness— patience, enduring, constancy. Do I wait on the Lord or do I tend to forge my own path and agenda? 
• Godliness— reverence, holiness, pure actions to please God. Do I seek what temporarily offers fun and pleasure, or do I walk the narrow road of godliness for eternal delight? 
• Brotherly Affection—kindness, love of the brethren. Do I go out of my way to show kindness, grace, and mercy even when it is inconvenient? 
• Love— charity, affection, kindness. Am I offering myself in love and kindness to those who are not even in my close circle because I am swimming in God’s abundant love for me?

Note, each quality adds on to the other. AND, each quality hinges upon faith. Isn’t it fascinating that this passage doesn’t just throw character qualities at us, but rather intentional ways to live that work synergistically?

Our call is not to check the box of a list—even the most Biblical of lists. But rather to live a holistic life that pleases the Lord and points to Jesus as the One who is worthy of praise. Might we take this list and weave it through the threads of our heart, soul, mind, and strength…through our entire day today? Yes! Let’s do it!

Father, we thank You that You are the Most High who went before us to live the holy, sinless life as Jesus did. Grip my heart for what pleases You so that my life brightly reflects Your love, righteousness, mercy, and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.