July 26

Morning

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; — 2 Pet 1:5-6 BSB

If you wish to enjoy the rich grace of full assurance in faith, under the blessed guidance of the Holy Spirit, you must follow the instruction of Scripture: “Make every effort.” Be sure that your faith is genuine, not merely a belief in doctrine but a simple, childlike trust in Christ, and Christ alone. Pay close attention to your courage. Ask God to give you the boldness of a lion, so that you may go forward with confidence in what is right. Study the Scriptures diligently, for a deep understanding of doctrine strengthens faith. Let God’s Word dwell richly in your heart.

Then, as you increase in knowledge, add self-control. Be mindful of your body—exercise discipline in your outward actions. Be mindful of your soul—exercise restraint in your thoughts and desires. Seek temperance in your speech, your life, and your inner self. Once you have gained self-control, ask God for patience—the kind of patience that endures trials and, when tested, comes out as pure gold. Let patience clothe you, so that in your suffering you do not complain or lose heart.

When you have achieved patience, seek godliness. Godliness is more than outward religion; it is making God’s glory the goal of your life, living continually in His presence, and seeking intimate fellowship with Him.

To godliness, add brotherly love. Love all the saints, and to that love, add charity—a love that embraces all humanity and seeks their souls’ salvation. When you adorn yourself with these virtues and practice them diligently, you will find increasing evidence of your “calling and election.” “Make every effort,” if you desire assurance, for lukewarmness and doubt are often companions.

Evening

to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. — Ps 113:8 BSB

Our spiritual privileges are of the highest order. “Among princes” is where we belong. “Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” Talk about exclusive society—there’s none like this! “We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.” “We have come to the general assembly and the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” The saints have royal access—princes may enter where ordinary people cannot. The child of God has free entry into the inner courts of heaven. “Through Him, we have access by one Spirit to the Father.” “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace.”

Among princes, there is wealth, but what are earthly riches compared to the treasures of believers? “All things are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Princes possess great power. As heirs of heaven’s kingdom, we wield spiritual authority. We sit on Christ’s throne, for “He has made us kings and priests to God, and we will reign forever and ever.” We reign over time and eternity alike.

Princes also enjoy special honor. We can look down on earthly grandeur from the high place grace has given us. For what is worldly dignity compared to this? “He has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus!” We share Christ’s honor, and earthly splendor fades in comparison. Communion with Jesus is a jewel more precious than any imperial crown. Union with the Lord is a crown of glory far surpassing all the pomp of this world.