His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 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. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
—2 Peter 1:3-11

~~~~~

Planted with Purpose
By Jennifer Kane

I was a seed—
small,
coated in questions,
buried beneath layers of earth and old habits.
But even there,
His divine power
had given me everything I needed
for life and godliness.

In the dark,
a stirring—
not of my own will,
but a call from above,
a whisper through soil:
“Come forth.”

So I did—
not all at once,
but slow,
breaking open
to grow.

Faith was the first shoot,
breaking the crust of old doubt.
Then came virtue,
a tender green leaf
stretching toward the light of His glory and goodness.

Knowledge followed,
leaf after leaf,
a deepening awareness
that the Son is always there—
even when clouds roll in.

Self-control strengthened my stalk,
keeping me upright
when the winds of the world tried to bend me.
Perseverance came
in the heat of day and the drought of silence.
Still I grew.

Godliness clothed me
in a quiet reverence,
a holy leaning into His grace.
Brotherly kindness opened my arms wide,
leaves embracing the garden around me.
And love—
the full bloom—
became my crown.

I no longer turned my face
toward every passing shadow.
Now, rooted firm,
I face the East—
the morning of His mercy,
the dawn of a calling
made sure.

He has pruned away
my aimless striving.
He has reminded me
that if I possess these qualities
in increasing measure,
I will not stumble.

I will not be barren.

I will not forget
that I was cleansed.

I will stand—
like a sunflower full-grown,
not by my strength,
but by the light
that never fades.

~~~~~

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11

God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). Through knowing Him—truly knowing Him, not just knowing about Him—we receive grace, peace, and divine power. This isn’t just head knowledge. It’s a deep, experiential relationship with the God who called us by His own glory and goodness.

Peter reminds us that God’s promises are not only great in size but also precious in value. They are anchors in a world full of corruption and confusion. Through these promises, we become partakers of the divine nature, growing more and more into the image of Christ.

But it doesn’t stop with receiving. We are called to respond. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically. We must “make every effort” (v.5), actively building on our faith by adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and ultimately, love—the highest expression of the divine nature.

These qualities aren’t just a checklist. They are evidence that our calling is real and active. When they abound in us, our lives become fruitful. But if we lack them, we’re spiritually shortsighted, even blind, forgetting the miracle of our cleansing and salvation.

Peter’s challenge is both urgent and encouraging: “Be even more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” This diligence doesn’t earn our salvation—it proves it. It affirms what God has already begun in us and reveals that we are truly His. And as we walk in these qualities, we gain assurance, avoid stumbling, and receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom.

Take time today to examine your walk. Do you see evidence of these qualities growing in your life? Choose one—maybe perseverance, or brotherly kindness—and ask God to help you actively grow in it this week. Trust in His power, rely on His promises, and walk confidently, knowing that He who called you is faithful.

~~~~~

Father God, thank You for calling me by Your glory and goodness. Thank You for Your great and precious promises. Help me not to grow complacent, but to give all diligence to grow in Christlike character. Confirm in me the calling You have placed on my life, and may my life reflect the divine nature You’ve invited me to share. In Jesus’ name, amen.

April 19, 2025