Day 332

Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Peter 2:1-22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 28:19-20

Book of Instructions

As we approach Christmas, fathers everywhere are having nightmares over the traditional Christmas Eve’s “assembly of the toys.” I recall hours of cursing the instruction sheets on assembling doll houses, tricycles, and myriad other toys designed to frustrate fathers worldwide. The psalmist in today’s reading calls upon the Lord saying, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers; that I may keep the commands of my God!” Our question then becomes, “How do we keep the commands of God?” Peter provides the assembly plans for a Christian. Second Peter promotes the power given to us by our Father. Peter tells us that God granted to us “everything we need for life and godliness…” By giving us all we need, we can “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” We follow the Book of Instructions: Step 1. “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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” Step 2. Understand it is a growth process. In Matthew 13, Jesus spoke of planting seeds. Seeds are complete in themselves but are undeveloped. We have this seed within us but it must be allowed to grow. “God has planted within us all we need, but these resources require time and growth before they become visible to others.” – John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible.

The Rev. Ed Bartle
St. Edward’s Episcopal Church
Mount Dora, FL