Peter goes on to explain how that grace and peace from the knowledge of God and our Lord are multiplied in our lives. 2 Peter 1:¹Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: ²Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, ³According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Notice the verb tense: ‘hath given’. It is not ‘He will give in the future’. Nor is it ‘He might give it’. Nor is it ‘you and I must earn it’.  It is a done deal. When you and I receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we receive His inheritance by His divine power.

How much of His grace is evidenced in your life?

How much grace have you asked of Him?

How much peace is in your life? Have you talked to Him about peace?

Notice His divine power also gives us all things pertaining to life and godliness. Not just somethings. Not just certain things. Not just a little bit. Everything pertaining to life and godliness has been given to us through His divine power.

What does that mean to you?

Is that a reason for specific praise?

Pertain = to belong or be connected as a part, adjunct, possession, or attribute.

Life = knowledge of God and Jesus Christ

Godliness = conforming to the laws and wishes of God

Glory = a state of absolute happiness, gratification, contentment,

Virtue = conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral and ethical principles; uprightness; rectitude

Our earthly inheritance bequeaths to us the knowledge of the One true God and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent. That personal knowledge of Him and personal on-going relationship with Him enables us to understand His Word, how He wants us to live our lives; and grow in our understanding of Him as we experience events in our lives together with Him.

You and I possess everything pertaining to life. What does that mean to you?

You and I possess everything pertaining to godliness. What does that mean to you?

You and I have been called to glory. How content are you with your circumstances?

These questions are hard, I know. But remember the new life in Christ is a growing life. Even Paul proclaimed he had not yet arrived. Philippians 3:¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

So let’s not focus on our past nor on our mistakes but let’s press forward, seeking to claim this earthly inheritance Jesus Christ bequeathed to us, looking at the prize.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will  accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti