The date on my last blog post (October 1st) wouldn’t give you the impression that I’ve been writing much.
And publicly, I haven’t. But the last several months, my journal pages have been overflowing with Scripture, punctuated by questions, and a welcome place to articulate the various ways God meets me in all of it.
This piece for Deeply Rooted Magazine came out of one of those couch sessions, and you can read the full post on their website. Here’s an excerpt:
“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, 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.” (2 Pet. 1:3–4)
As “partakers of the divine nature” we, too, are set apart in a culture that values all things tangible, self-elevating, and immediately gratifying. Peter writes that we have everything required through Christ to live this godly, set-apart life that does not conform to surrounding corruption. He concludes his second letter with these words: “Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:17–18).
This is our instruction, too. Rather than be swept up in devotion to worldly pursuits, we remain anchored by allowing the Holy Spirit to grow us in the grace and knowledge of Christ. As we continue to learn what the Lord values through his Word, draw near to his heart in prayer, and participate in the work of his people, the Spirit does his work of realigning our hearts and values with his. He highlights what is pleasing and good, as well as the places we’re prone to wander from his love and care.
Thanks for coming into this space. Sharing my words with you always feels like a gift.
Mallory R. Manning 