Towards the end of last year I started a new memory verse system called Fighter Verses (you can find a lot of information and get an app if you want at the link). It's less rigorous than the system I've used in the past, but it's very convenient and well laid out. There are tons of different sets of verses, as well as great ones for kids with pictures to help with memory aid.
But, the reason I'm writing is much has been hitting me lately all in the same vein - and that is in the character and goodness of God - simply how much he loves and cares for and provides for his children. As you know I recently read "Jesus + Nothing = Everything" by Tchividjian and I'm now reading a book called "Because He Loves Me" by Elyse Fitzpatrick. So far the book has dovetailed wonderfully with Tchividjian. Much of the point so far is do we know and understand how Jesus is significantly relevant to us in our daily walk as a Christian - in a sense have we left Jesus behind in our pursuit of godliness? Have we forgotten the Gospel? Have we forgotten how much he loves and how that impacts us greatly?
I've also been doing a Bible reading plan with Erin where we take a book of the Bible and read through it as many times as possible in a month. This month we are on 2 Peter and the first few verses of chapter one connect so well with what these books are teaching. Read these words carefully and afresh in your life:
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 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. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (2 Pe 1:3–10 ESV)
God's power has given us everything for life and godliness. Not so that we can do it on our own, but so that we can be more like him - partakers of the divine nature (which I believe means we image God as we live in him in self-control, steadfastness, etc...). However, I often try and do it on my own - and it never works. I get weary, tired, frustrated, and I'm not much good to anyone. To come back around to the start of this post - my memory verse for this week is this:
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28–30 ESV)
The reminders just kept coming. It's nothing new, but I needed to hear it. I need rest. I need to stop trying it all on my own. I need Christ and he is constantly calling me to rest and take refuge in him because that is simply who he is. He loves his children dearly and provides all we need in himself. What an amazing savior!! Rest in that thought and pray that I would rest in him daily and that I would intimately know the power of the gospel.
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