Do something great ∙∙
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” – Acts 2:37
Philippians 4:8-13
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
President Abraham Lincoln, renowned for his powerful communication skills, was known during the Civil War to attend a nearby church on Wednesday evenings. To avoid causing a disruption, the preacher, Dr. Gurley, accommodated the president by allowing him to sit in the pastor’s study with the door open, where he could listen to the sermon without impacting the congregation.
One particular Wednesday night, after the sermon concluded, Lincoln and a companion walked back to the White House. On the way, the companion asked, “What did you think of tonight’s sermon?”
Lincoln thoughtfully replied, “It was brilliantly crafted—biblical, relevant, and eloquently delivered.”
“Then it was a great sermon?” the companion asked, expecting confirmation.
“No,” Lincoln replied. “It failed. It failed because Dr. Gurley did not ask us to do something great.”
Great communicators know how to challenge their audience. They don’t just inform or inspire—they prompt action. Their message leaves listeners asking themselves, “What’s my next step? What am I being called to do?”
Similarly, we must ask ourselves, “What does the Father expect from me? And how do I fulfill His purpose for my life?” It remains true that the Father loves each each child of the King and has a wonderful plan for us. But those plans often unfold step by step, requiring our faith and obedience.
Paul’s life offers a powerful example. Unlike most, Paul was specifically told what the Father expected of him—he was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. While he didn’t know every detail of how his mission would unfold, he trusted God to guide him. Through every trial and triumph, Paul leaned on the strength of Jesus Christ. He knew that nothing could be accomplished apart from Him.
REFLECT & PRAY
“Far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing” (Theodore Roosevelt).
Father, when it comes to Your plan and purpose, my vision is so limited—it’s like trying to see through a dim and cloudy glass. Yet, I ask You to encourage me to act on what I already know to be true. You are a marvelous and loving Father, worthy of the very best that Your children can offer You. Help me to give You my best.
INSIGHT
2 Peter 1:4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
The Father’s “great and precious promises” aren’t insignificant or trivial; they are treasures that serve as the foundation for a life of faith, hope, and spiritual growth.
When Peter speaks of God’s promises, he refers to everything the Father has guaranteed for us as children of the King—salvation, eternal life, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His unchanging love, and His presence in every season of life. These promises are “great” because they come from a great and perfect God, the Creator of all things. His wisdom, power, and love are beyond measure. They are “precious” because they hold immeasurable value, providing peace, purpose, and assurance.
For the children of the King, these promises are a pathway to escape the corruption of the world and share in the Father’s divine nature. They invite us to grow spiritually and shed the harmful desires and patterns we once followed while allowing God’s Spirit to shape and refine us. God’s promises are not just words to inspire us—they are tools He uses to change us, strengthen our faith, and help us reflect His character.
2 Peter 1:4 reminds us of the treasure we possess through God’s glory and goodness: “Because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises.”
They are priceless, beyond any human measure, and irreplaceable. As Wiersbe puts it, “If we lost the Word of God, there would be no way to replace it.”
The Greek word for “precious,” timios, carries profound meaning. It conveys the sense of being esteemed, honored, and cherished. It also reflects immense value, something treasured and priceless—so valuable that no amount could estimate its worth. Interestingly, the name Timothy derives from this same term, embodying the idea of honor and value.
2 Peter 1:4-5 further expands on these promises, saying,
4 “These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.”
When we spend time dwelling on and trusting in the Father’s promises, a transformation begins. Just as people take on the traits of those they surround themselves with, responding to God’s promises allows us to share in His divine nature. By doing so, we break free from the corruption of the world and begin the beautiful process of becoming more like Him. His promises don’t just inspire—they equip us to live in alignment with His character.
“‘I came,’ said Jesus, ‘that they may have life, and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10). As one of the great early fathers said, ‘He became what we are to make us what he is.’ We have it in us to share the nature of God – but only in Jesus Christ can that potentiality be brought to fruition” (Barclay).
“Desire, burning desire, is basic to achieving anything beyond the ordinary” (Joseph B. Wirthlin).
“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us” (Wilma Rudolph).
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts” (Winston Churchill).
Peter encourages us to “do something great!”
¯_(ツ)_/¯10-28-2
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 