Promises, Promises

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2 Peter 1:3: “As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive His own glory and goodness. And by that same mighty power He has given us all of His rich and wonderful promises… So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life…”

I used to memorize scripture verses as a kid for the promise of a cookie, a "badge" declaring how holy I was distributed in Sunday school, or the praise of my father. I had slowly, over my adult life left the task to "better" Christians and began being hip and relevant instead- memorizing verses only if they were sandwiched between Don Miller's witty banter, embraced by Tim Keller's sound theological descriptions, cushioned by Ed Welch's heart-warming stories. These men are all men of God and have taught me much....including how much better it is to go right to the source. Men of God are not a replacement for God himself. This verse reminds me of that today.

Though I could say I want to commit this verse to memory, I know better than to proclaim that I will. The point is, that I want to. In this stage of my life, I want to memorize that God loves me, likes me and is actively pursuing me. That the promises he made to me, he intends to keep. That HIS divine power gives me everything I need- which means if he doesn't give it to me, I do not need it. That he has called US to RECEIVE his glory and goodness, treasures obedience over sacrifice, has given me rich and wonderful promises-ME!-and intends to keep each and every one of them. That my ambitions, my desires, my longings are from HIM. That He is a good and gracious God.

I want to memorize that so deeply in order to never question it again. I want to make every effort to apply these promises to my life. Even if I can't commit the words verbatim to my memory, I am going to try and memorize His goodness.

Busy Bee

"How about Tuesday?"
"Yeah- no. Can't."

"How about Wednesday?"
"Well-"

"Ok, Thursday? Next Thursday? Sunday before church? Saturday night????"
"Ummmm...."

"Fine.  How about you call me when you ever have time for me, ok?"

I wish this was an example of only one conversation I've have over the last year.  Unfortunately, it seems to be the only conversation I've had with my friends and family members since- well, I don't know when.  My life has taken over leaving me with little room to breathe, clean the floor of my bathroom or meet up for a cup of fro yo with my little sister, who may not be so little by the time I ever actually get to hang out with her.

I'm not sure when my quiet life became an insurmountable rolling ball of business, but I do know that it must stop.  And it must stop now.  Before I lose my mind.  Or worse.  My friends.