The Flame Within

2 Peter 1:5-9

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 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. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”

These verses are quite informative, directive, and filled with profound wisdom. Let’s break it down…

—— KEYS TO INTENTIONAL FAITH WALK and RELATIONSHIPS ——

Make every effort to add to…

1. Your faith goodness.
2. Goodness to knowledge.
3. Knowledge to Self-control.
4. SelfControl to perseverance.
5. Perseverance to Godliness.
6. Goodness to Mutual Affection.
7. Mutual affection to LOVE.

WOW! Think about how your life would change if we implemented these verses into our lives. Think about how it would impact your marriage, your relationship with children, friends, and the community at large.

Most importantly, think about how your relationship with God would grow in closeness and passion.

One of the aspects of my counseling that saddens me is the way many have believed that strong faith is for more “Godly” people. It’s true and I’ve heard it many times. Satan convinces people that strong faith is for others, but truly believe they are unable to acheive devout love and devotion to and from God.

Friends, this is a lie from the enemy. Faith is a gift to all… God desires to have a close relationship with each one of His children (You & I)… IT IS FREE!

Here’s the truth… Most of those who tell me they believe this lie from the enemy are usually placing little effort into their walk with the Lord. People want a strong faith and a close relationship with the Lord, but rarely pray, read the Bible, attend Christ-centered activities such as church, Bible study, seek God-fearing relationships and mentors, and (or) find a Christian counselor when feeling stuck.

It’s so easy to remain immersed in the world…. This is our fleshly instinct..

Watching movies that feed darkness or worldly ideals. Play video games that are dark and addictive. Sit for hours scrolling and scrolling through reels. Spend time with people who are not believers and do not live for the Lord. Even, countless hours being immersed in political videos, podcasts, and articles.

You see, when we set our eyes on Jesus; He perfects our faith. When our faith is perfected we feel close to the Lord and have a great sense of purpose and meaning.

Same with our marriages… To maintain a healthy marriage the same ingredients are essential. Intentional focus, growth, increasing in knowledge & understanding, and persuing your spouse.

Same with all relationships; Relationships with children, parents, friends, etc. Relationships require intentional effort, listening, and making the people in your life a focus.

Read these profound keys to life and relationships again…

Make every effort to add to…

1. Your faith goodness.
2. Goodness to knowledge.
3. Knowledge to Self-control.
4. SelfControl to perseverance.
5. Perseverance to Godliness.
6. Goodness to Mutual Affection.
7. Mutual affection to LOVE.

How will this truth alter the way you live your life today? Alter the way you spend time with Jesus? Alter the way you interact with your spouse, children, friends, etc?

• Pray about this and commit to implementing these keys for intentional living into your life today. Asking God what changes you need to make today. You are a child of God andd He Is waiting for you to seek Him wholeheartedly .

Blessings,
Crystal